Winter Gardens

Winter Gardens are a four-piece band that expertly melds the ethereal beauty of dream-pop with the raw, kinetic energy of post-punk, creating a sound that is both mesmerising and transcendent. Their music exists in a sonic landscape where swirling shoegaze atmospheres meet driving, punk-infused rhythms, producing a unique “dreampunk” sound that has captivated listeners and critics alike.

The band’s influences range from 80s post-punk and shoegaze pioneers like Slowdive, to the atmospheric synth-scapes of electronic trailblazer Wendy Carlos, with echoes of the pulsating energy of bands like New Order. At the forefront of their sound is Ananda Howard’s ethereal and celestial vocal presence, which floats effortlessly above a foundation of jangly guitars, arpeggiated synthesisers, and pulsing drum loops. Their songwriting pays homage to these influences while creating something undeniably fresh and innovative.

Winter Gardens’ 2020 album showcased their ability to seamlessly blend disparate sounds—jangly guitars cascading through shimmering keys, arping synths dancing around serene textures, all glued together by a tempestuous and brooding energy. Tracks weave between serene atmospheres and explosive intensity, taking the listener on an eclectic journey. The album has been praised for its sonic diversity and atmospheric depth, drawing comparisons to the immersive soundscapes of Slowdive, the haunting beauty of Kate Bush, and the electronic pulse of artists like Lindstrøm and Todd Terje.

Their latest single, 'U/U,' released in 2024, is a prime example of the band's ever-evolving sound. Clocking in at just over three minutes, 'U/U' opens with Ananda’s introspective spoken words—"I’m not a writer, words don’t form"—before propelling into a synth-pop vibe, driven by a rhythmic pulse and atmospheric synths. The track is a testament to Winter Gardens’ ability to blend the dreamlike and the dynamic, crafting songs that are as immersive as they are energetic.

Winter Gardens continue to grow and evolve, maintaining their commitment to pushing the boundaries of post-punk and shoegaze while keeping their sound uniquely their own. With each release, they solidify their place in the indie music scene, their ethereal dreamscapes striking a chord with listeners who crave both emotional depth and sonic innovation.

They play The Hope & Ruin Brighton on the 6th Nov