Begun as a lo-fi solo side project,
Holy Sons has grown over its 15-plus year history into an obsessive focal point for singer/songwriter
Emil Amos. 2016's
In the Garden finds the
Grails drummer returning once again to his one-man outfit, joined this time out by journeyman producer/engineer
John Agnello (
Sonic Youth,
Dinosaur Jr.,
Son Volt). As on most of his past
Holy Sons albums, here
Amos plays all the instruments and supplies all the songs. The difference this time is that, with
Agnello's expertise and sophisticated studio ear,
Amos was able to dig deeper into a nuanced and sonically layered sound. Bringing to mind the vibe of classic '60s and '70s rock LPs from bands like
Pink Floyd and
the Beach Boys,
In the Garden finds
Amos applying his throaty croon to a set of literate, dark-hued anthems accented by a lush cornucopia of moody guitars, drums, and piano. [
In the Garden was also released on LP.] ~ Matt Collar