EP: “My Last Temptation” by Agatha’s Garden

Coming kicking and screaming out of Poole, Dorset comes this EP from local music makers Agatha’s Garden. With a rap sheet if one’s arm of bands past and present, these guys have decided to put these tracks down for our pleasure.

“My Last Temptation” is steeped in mid 80’s Goth influences, notably The Mission. Dean (lead vocals/guitars) offers a layered vocal that is clear and audible with a certain honesty in delivery. Shimmering guitars, notably in the bridge match Tom’s (drums) unfussy drumbeat while Tony’s bass seems less clear. Those guitars swirl right up until the song’s finale.

“Talk to Leticia” stays in a similar vein, albeit faster and evokes memories of The Damned’s Phantasmagoria-era. It has that chugging bassline throbbing away in the background, while the guitar chords stretch and squall. A shorter bridge once more gives way to that infectious bass while Dean bellows an almost autobiographical and knowing chorus – a love song maybe or a tale of love lost? Tom’s snare bashing is constant throughout while the whole song has that whiff of Patchouli oil about it!

“Now I Wake Up” quite subtly borrows the intro to The Police’s “Message in a Bottle” but I feel it may be an honest coincidence?! This cut has more of a New Wave feel but once again Dean layers his vocal throughout. That clicky bass is the star here, matched to simple unfussy hitting. The bridge is a much harsher, harder affair before that potent vocal comes to the fore again. The song’s ending is sharp.

“My Last Temptation” (Hereafter Mix ft. Sounds Like Adam) sees a serious makeover. The addition of piano and a vocal that is so downturned, gives it a wonderful ‘studio jam’ feel that keeps one’s attention throughout. It’s that classic encore song you keep back for those punters crying out for that ‘one more song?! The way Adam (Scholey) treats the vocal with such sincerity is a joy to listen to, truly mesmerising – I would love to hear this sung live?!

“Casual Sex at Parties” – ooh er missus!! Once more I’m racking my brain for the musical influence. The Jam’s “The Place I Love” suddenly becomes clear. Ok, so once again it may just be a coincidence; but is quite a departure from the earlier four songs. More than a nod to Weller’s vocal, delivered in an angsty way it matches the scratchy guitar chords and snotty lyricism. It is a subject matter that has been retold many times over, but never dates. The opening chord sequence sets the mood, allied to a chugging drumbeat that never wains. I just cannot decide if it is New Wave or Mod Revival?! Either way it is a standout track on this fine collection.

“Talk To Letitia” gets a second blast here (one assumes) in a different studio setting? That flabby bass matches the guitar squalls as Dean hollers his vocal with a tad more growl! The bridge takes on a whole Rockabilly/RnR feel as they clearly try to expand their sound in another medium. The experimentation runs a little wild towards the end but that is no terrible thing.

Not wasting valuable studio time “Now I Wake Up” gets another mild overhaul. My thoughts on the influences have not changed and the bridge offers more strained chord intricacies (hair metal anyone)?!

For fans old and new, this is a fine collection showing the band at their most confident. But the decisive test would I guess be in the live arena. Agatha’s Garden gigs tend to be sporadic so do not delay, catch these guys while you still can…..

Track listing
My Last Temptation
Talk to Leticia
Now I Wake Up
MLT (Hereafter Mix ft. Sounds Like Adam)
Casual Sex at Parties (Madding Session)
Talk to Leticia (Madding Session)
Now I Wake Up (Madding Session)

Band members
Dean Scholey – Vocals/Guitar
Tony Nation – Bass
Tom Selwood – Drums

Link
https://www.facebook.com/AgathasGarden

Review by Ross A. Ferrone.