Search - The Garden Party :: Pointed at the Sky

Have you ever found yourself thinking, "Boy, I'd really like to hear 14 fun, uplifting songs about death right now." If so, then look no further! Pointed at the Sky is brimming with synth-pop, folk and funk songs with infectious, hum-able choruses and jangley 12-string guitar. With influences ranging from the Beatles to Pink Floyd to Wilco, the album is about more than just love lost, but takes on even more universal themes of growing old and the fear of dying. However, this morbid subject matter is approached with radio-friendly, hook-filled songwriting and a breezy, self-effacing nonchalance. The tongue-in-cheek lyrics of delicately layered songs like "Rock & Roll Star," for example, that boldly ask, "Is this pretentious?" entice the listener to reply with an equally bold and unequivocal yes. Recently hailed by a person on the internet as "...the best thing ever recorded by an unsigned band," it is the product of two years of painstaking recording, revamping, and re-recording the songs in garages, basements and churches throughout Southeast Michigan. It was released in December of 2004 and immediately garnered praise from the parents and siblings of the band members, who proclaimed it "amazing," their "favorite" and "wow." Riding high on the accolades of their recent release, there seems to be no place to go but up for the Garden Party. Playing such venerable venues as the Fraser Ice Arena and Matt's graduation party, the band is honing their musical wizardry and preparing for a bright future in the indie rock scene with plans for another release already in the works. If there are milestones in rock 'n' roll, Pointed at the Sky is undoubtedly one of them. It is clear that any self-respecting indie rock fan has to own a copy--if for no other reason than to have a CD that that smug kid who acts like he's heard every indie band ever doesn't have. So you can buy the CD and make that kid shut-up about all the ultra-obscure bands that he loves, because nobody's more obscure than the Garden Party. And in return, the CD will provide you with 14 catchy pop songs that are great for workouts, singing in the shower, or passing the time as you idly contemplate your place in the universe.