After releasing their eponymous debut EP in 2011, Gardens & Villa could have easily gone back to making laidback Southern Californian electro–pop. Instead, they did something totally different, heading to the relatively remote state of Michigan to record their second album. The result is a refreshing change of scenery. Although their previous EP was promising, it sacrificed emotion for catchiness. In “Dunes,” Gardens & Villa delves further into ambient electronica than ever before, creating space for their vocalist Chris Lynch to weave a vibrant atmosphere perfectly reminiscent of Michigan. “Dunes” is at its strongest when the band embraces this new aesthetic, like in the beautifully piano–tinged “Chrysanthemums,” or in the heavily synth–based “Avalanche.” Gardens & Villa are not perfectly consistent, but the majority of “Dunes” is definitely worth a listen.
Grade: B
Download: “Colony Glen”
Sounds Best When: wondering why anyone would ever live in Michigan
