Creeper Lagoon
Watering Ghost Garden
spinART

Call me an indie kid, but I like just about everything spinArt puts out. They seem to find those bands that have the ability to make gorgeous music but are never going to be in the top 40. Creeper Lagoon are no different. I'm finding myself a little unsettled though. Not because the music is abrasive, because it's not. Not because the lyrics are "in yer face," because they're not. I'm uncomfortable because I'm not sure how to take Creeper. They lay somewhere between Pink Floyd, Dinosaur, Jr. and Idaho. It's a hard combination to picture and an even hard combination to review.

Without a doubt, Creeper are taking the conventional theories of music and twisting them. All of the elements are there and intact and in proper order, but this is far from a linear experience. The first track, "Centipede Eyes," is a slow, heavy-footed walk through a green garden on a dark day. It's unpredictable progressions make it difficult to remember the melody once the song has finished. This is consistent throughout this album. Although the songs are warm, you're left feeling like you've read a book that's missing the last few pages. For that reason, Watering Ghost Garden takes a few listens to warm up to.

"Roman Hearts," the disc’s second song, is a bit more predictable, but still takes you through some strange terrain. The piano and guitar lay the foundation this track and somehow ends up sounding a bit like The Flaming Lips. "Big Money Struggle" is about as close as you're going to get to straight pop song on Watering Ghost Garden. It almost seems like you're getting a new band with every song. Creeper's diversity is a strong trait here.

"Chain Smoker" is a beautiful number. There's no other way to put it. On the rollercoaster that this album plays through, this is definitely a drop. Like most good indie acts, I'm always amazed at the way they can pull these soulful chords out of the same instruments everyone else is using so soullessly. Creeper are masters at this.

Watering Ghost Garden isn't for everybody and for the people it's for; it'll take a couple of listens to fully appreciate what a masterpiece this album really is.

-Tyler Jacobson

Track Listing:

1. Centipede Eyes
2. Roman Hearts
3. Big Money Struggle
4. Chain Smoker
5. My Friends Adore You
6. God Will Understand