The Garden has planted a seed in our hearts

It was a Saturday, March 31st to be exact, and Southern California natives and twin-brother duo The Garden were headlining The Chapel (correction: sold out The Chapel). Anyone who has seen The Garden live can testify to the fact that if not anything else, they’re weird. In other words, I’ve heard them described as having the same effect as a car crash on a highway — you just can’t look away.

The brothers have gained a dedicated fan base that makes their shows truly unique. While waiting in line for the bathroom, I came across numerous girls outfitted in Joker-style apparel and trenchcoats serving as loving homages to the band. I made it my goal to befriend all of them. If you haven’t been to a Garden show I’d highly encourage it, the experience is pretty much exactly what you’d think it would be.

The Garden’s music is completely new, yet has a nostalgic effect on me — it’s not common for me to go to a show and find myself happy to be surrounded by a crowd of mostly 16-year-old girls. The band put on a good show, but what really makes their live performance special is the intoxicating energy their fans bring to the table. You don’t go to a Garden show to listen to the music, you go to have a good time.

When I was 17, I lied to my mom and told her I was going on a camping trip an hour away when in reality I made the trek from Norcal to Socal to see The Garden live. I drove for six hours (barely a week after getting my license), made it to Pomona, and felt on top of the world. I saw the weirdest, most energized set in my entire life, and I made a pact to myself that I’d one day see The Garden again. I then totaled my car on the way home, but that’s not what’s important.

Fast-forward a few years and The Garden performs a live, *free* set on Upper Sproul — I knew I had to go. I will admit, persuading my friends to accompany me proved a harder task than I thought it would be. Show anyone The Garden’s music and they’ll probably give you a look of confusion, worry, and (if you’re lucky) maybe even a little bit of fear. But in the end, I blackmailed a friend into going with me and we had the time of our life.

Fast-forward one more time and we’re at The Chapel, continuing on the quest for the perfect pit. A single tear drops down my face as I realize I’ve made it, and so have the boys.