Our Brighton UM rep, Kaye Inglis, went to see Brighton unsigned band Yourgardenday at The Live Music Zooberon 1st Birthday in July 2012. Here is what she had to say:
Robin Coward, the man behind the music of Brighton’s yourgardenday, played an integral part in the launch of the Live Music Zooberon - one of the city’s most successful independent live music nights. This was a fact that organiser Mark Stack was quick to point out at the night's first birthday party in July.
yourgardenday has been around in some form or another for several years. After playing at Glastonbury in 2010, a brief hiatus ensued, before Robin met drummer and talented vocalist Peter Rowley at one of the open mic nights he hosts in the city. The present incarnation was born soon afterwards.
The music is optimistic, positive and hauntingly beautiful; cleverly catchy chord combinations crafted by a man who clearly thinks in music combine with intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics. The addition of Peter’s drumming has given the music a whole new dimension.
Their opening song ‘Something in the Music’ is a firm favourite among fans, an instant earworm that suggests music is in some way imbued with a magical or drug-like quality – certainly the case with this song. This is just one example of the cleverness that goes into these songs.
There were a couple of issues with sound, and disappointingly we weren’t treated to the exquisite harmonies the duo have performed at other recent gigs, but the quality, strength and skill of Robin’s voice are quite exceptional.
The only real disappointment of the evening was the high banister around the stage area, making it impossible to see Robin's intricate piano finger work up close.
Nevertheless, the pair put on a good show. Last One Falling Over, their second song, is a long number that never gets boring and features a great drum and piano-solo. It's a great song but they made the right decision in moving this from being the show opener. That and the quirky Picture Every Point that followed can both be heard online.
This was followed by an older number, the haunting The Feel, before one of the most recent songs, another bouncy piece called Spring Is Springing. In this Robin shows off his exceptional voice.
They rounded off their set with ‘Lover, Do You Mind?’ – another more recent addition with rolling chords that recreate the sounds of waves crashing against the shore.
There are many themes that run through yourgardenday songs – spirituality, sexuality, a genuine love for and slightly bemused wonderment at the world being just a few. The music is at times punky, at times poppy and at times music-hall with a huge range of influences including everyone from Elliott Smith to the Muppets.
Brighton is awash with a great many talented bands and artists; yourgardenday is one you should definitely keep an eye on.
