Opening with a bright finger-picked guitar and luxurious whisper-pop vocal textures, the tone is set for “Bad Guy”, the latest release from post-punk, indie rock outfit from Scotland, Forgotten Garden.
We’re immediately obsessed with the production, a sort of transportive and mysterious energy that brings the narrative of the story to life.
With the hook, “He’s a bad, bad, bad guy with his sad little eye”, the song tells the story of a rich, handsome and attractive man whose suave exterior conceals a soul that finds its prime pleasure by “breaking hearts”. His hunting grounds are social gatherings where he draws in new victims with his magnetic charisma and attractiveness. “All the room felt the heat from the start. He’ll take all your dreams from you, just to make himself feel good.”
Energetic drums and a pulsating bass give life to the a dark, melancholic and sensual atmosphere which reflects the subject of the song. A mellow and cheerful synth contrasts heavily with the darker instruments, providing the song with lighter undertones.
The main vocal, performed by vocalist and Portuguese native, Inês has a nonchalant, whisper pop vibe that are calm, sexy and adds an air of mystery to the conversation about the antagonist “Bad Guy”. Speaking on this, the band says “They embody the role of a detached onlooker by softly narrating the events from an objective perspective.” The vocal textures really add a vibrance that we didn’t know we needed to experience!
Forgotten Garden is a Scotland-based indie band (duo + guests) with dark wave tendencies. Their songs are generally sad, dark and haunting. Vocals are provided by Inês whilst Danny plays most of the instruments. Forgotten Garden are often compared to The Cure.