Artist: Irving
Album: Death in the Garden, Blood on the Flowers
Label: Eenie Meenie Records
Tracks: 13
Length: 50:46
Review by: Luke Kruse

Is “mixtape pop” a genre yet?  If so, then Irving would certainly fit that description.  The brand of psychedelic indie-pop songs found on their second album Death in the Garden, Blood on the Flowers would have fit perfectly right alongside The Shins and Frou Frou on the Garden State soundtrack.  Death in the Garden is the sort of album that is perfectly suited for summer.  The songs are short, catchy, and don’t take themselves too seriously. 

It was no surprise to find out that producer Phil Ek, known for his work with Modest Mouse and The Shins, also produced Death in the Garden, Blood on the Flowers, as the eleven tracks here would certainly appeal strongly to fans of those two bands.  Irving, based out of Los Angeles, features multiple songwriters, which also adds to the non-linear mixtape feel of the album.  Some tracks, such as opener “The Gentle Preservation of Children’s Minds” and “Jen, Nothing Matters to Me” seem to owe their sound to 80’s acts like The Cure and The Smiths, while other tracks like “Situation” and “I’ll Write the Song You Sing for Me” are in debt to 60’s pop acts like The Kinks and The Beatles.  While several songs are clear standouts (“Care, I don’t Care” and “I’ll Write the Song” come to mind), there really is not a bad tune in the bunch.   

Irving hails from California, and one can almost hear the sunshine on Death in the Garden.  Having never heard of this band prior to reviewing this album, I was quite impressed that the album has managed to find a solid place in my listening rotation.  Sure, the album is nothing groundbreaking, but if you find yourself in need of a fun summer album or desire some material for your next mixtape, Death in the Garden, Blood on the Flowers is highly recommended.