GARDNER LEONARD

Gardner Leonard are a West Midlands based pop-punk/emo duo that is made up of Daryl Gardner who is on the instruments and Rhiannon Leonard who is the vocalist.  Daryl is best known for his re recording of Metallica's 2003 album St. Anger, which went viral in 2015 and received universal acclaim.  After taking a few years away from music to focus on his career and personal well being, he approached Rhiannon, who he knew from college and throughout lockdown they began sending ideas back and forth, before the became a duo. They have since released their debut album 'Milquetoast' with their influences coming from the likes of Paramore, Funeral for a Friend, Tonight Alive & Brand New.

'Wish It Was Me' comes in strong with a huge wall of sound from the rich guitars, ferocious drums and the driving bass line getting you hooked instantly.  The instrumentation brings a powerful sound that doesn't falter for the duration of the song, oozes those uplifting vibes, where you can picture yourself listening to this song and dancing around with your friends.  However when you focus on the lyrics there are real heartfelt and emotional lines that elevates the song from the uplifting feel good vibes to one that is filled with passion, that will get you singing at the top of your lungs.

'Conspiracy' starts with the same powerful sound as the opener 'Wish It Was Me', however this drops away instantly and unexpectedly for a verse that is the complete opposite with a calm atmospheric synths and guitars element, which is brief as we are then thrown back into the high energy heavy sound from before.  The tempo changes keeps you on your toes, showing the skill from the duo and how they are experimenting with their sound.  Already this album feels like it's going to be one where you will dance your way through.  

There early 2000s pop punk vibes are so strong already in this record and 'Another Line' and 'Mine' both elevating those vibes even more, so if you are an avid listener of pop punk these tracks will send you right into those nostalgia feels.  The songs aren't as heavy instrumentally, in terms of the pace and drive we have heard previously, but the high energy is still present in the extremely recognisable pop punk drum beat and guitars riffs, sitting behind the punchy attention grabbing vocal delivery from Rhiannon.  'Another Lie' lyrically acknowledges a difficult relationship, that is filled with dishonestly, with 'Mine' taking the approach of understanding the difficulties and now coming to terms that the relationship is ending. The honest and heartfelt lyrics will strike a chord with many.  Although strong in their lyrical meanings these tracks also bring those upbeat summer vibes. 

 'Honey' has a similar lyrical storyline as 'Mine' which looks back on the relationship and accepting that it has now ended.  Also bringing those energetic guitars and drums that brings out the Blink 182 vibes particularly at the intro.  'Can't Live With That' lyrically is a more upbeat sound with a positive out look, this track feels like the closure track to the story told in the 3 previous songs. 

'Your Ghost' is one of those tracks that makes you think it will be a mellower track with the guitar melody at the beginning, however you are proven wrong when the drums kick in.  At the beginning it isn't as high driven energetic as some of the other tracks, but that builds as the track progresses with more instrumentation coming in and building on the atmosphere.  This one wants your attention purely focused on the lyrics. 

'It's Been A While', 'Say The Word' and 'Do It Over (Again)' are all very alike in their style and what we have heard throughout, with the upbeat driving force behind the guitars, bass and drums with that high energy pumped into the rhythm it is hard to pull yourself away from it and you can't help but want to get up and dance around to them, these tracks will definitely go off in a live setting and will send the crowd wild.  They all have such strong instrumentation, adding to that Rhiannon's powerful and captivating vocals. 

'One Two Three Four' is the closing track and the only track to take a step back from those high pace, high energy rhythms we have heard throughout the album.  This one brings so much atmosphere, with what sounds like a synth piano/harp combination, synth bass line, haunting violins and an impactful bass drum that rings right through your ears.  The vocals are absolutely stunning and the chord progression is incredible.  The track builds beautifully and opens up into a massive chorus that brings so much emotion and feeling, getting you right in your core. 

It is without a doubt the duo have created an album here that will set them firmly into the pop punk world, it is an incredible listening experience from start to finish.  As you make your way through each song, their sound will get stuck in your head and you will not be able to shake them from your ears for a long time, whether it's the infectious rhythm or the captivating lyrics, you will find yourself gravitating towards at least one song.  When a band has songs that are relatable, there is an instant connection between the listener and the band and with Gardner Leonard that is felt all the way through this album.  You definitely feel this albums engaging presence as soon as you play the first song.

INSTAGRAM - gardnerleonardmusic

FACEBOOK - gardnerleonardmusic

TWITTER - @GardnerxLeonard