Much to listeners dismay, the tandem of Tjinder Singh and Ben Ayres have released little in the
way of an original LP since 2012’s dance and funk infused, Urban Turban. Opting for an alloy
heavier on ‘60s lo-fi pop-rock, Cornershop triumphantly returns with England is a Garden, a ten
song collection of simple but catchy songs, seemingly lifted from another era, but 100%
original.
Floral and somewhat tropical tones abound, especially on songs like “England Is a Garden,”
“Everywhere That Wog Army Roam” and “Highly Amplified,” with the latter sounding like a Kinks
tune wedded with flute. Beyond the gentle, earthy mid-section of the collection, Cornershop
channels their inner T-Rex with fuzzy rockers like “No Rock Save In Roll,” one of the best of
the set. Sounding as if sung through a Kazoo, “Slingshot” slinks along a bass line and drifts
among the bongos and flute chirps. “One Uncareful Lady Owner” might have been one of the best
tracks on a number of mid ‘60’s albums; it is here too. “The Holy Name” overstays its welcome,
but its spirit fits with this far-flung musical collage.
Cornershop has pulled influence from so many eras and so many genres that they rightfully have
earned the moniker "genre-bending" at a time when the term is thrown around far too often. This is
another successful chrono-cultural meld that may eventually challenge When I Was Born For The
7th Time, as their best in catalogue. It’s a great album by a great band.
