WKTD, an indie-rock band from Bedfordshire, England, have steadily carved out a name for themselves in the British music scene. With Jay Winn on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Toby Druce commanding lead guitar, Daniel Green on keys, Jamie Westwick on bass guitar, and Joel Rumney on drums, WKTD has become a powerhouse of energy and creativity. Their roots are grounded in influences like Sam Fender, Inhaler, and Arctic Monkeys, which has shaped their signature sound—an exciting blend of indie-rock with introspective lyrics and electrifying melodies.
Since their debut EP “How to Decorate Time”, WKTD have been riding a wave of local success, and they have solidified their place as one of the most promising indie acts in the region. The band’s live performances have gained a dedicated following, and their recent sold-out headliner only fueled the anticipation surrounding their next release. Known for their ability to infuse raw emotion with musical brilliance, WKTD continues to craft songs that resonate with their audience, speaking to themes of love, change, and growing up. Their dynamic chemistry is not just heard in their studio work but is also reflected on stage, where they deliver exhilarating performances that captivate and inspire.
The WKTD EP “The Garden,” which was released on August 30th, 2024, is evidence of the band’s development and artistic evolution. Continuing the bouncy, indie-rock energy that fans have grown to adore, this five-track masterpiece builds on the popularity of their debut album by delving deeper into themes of heartbreak, personal development, and change. WKTD offers an original take on indie rock, from the evocative conclusion “Multiply” to the evocative title track “The Garden.” Every song has been painstakingly composed to produce a sound that is simultaneously intimate and wide. Introspective lyrics are combined with elaborate instrumentals. “The Garden” is more than simply another track on WKTD’s repertoire; it’s a confident statement of their position in the independent music industry that is sure to make an impression.
The Garden EP Track List:
The Garden:
From their EP “The Garden,” WKTD’s title song, “The Garden,” is a superb blend of evolving rhythms and reflective lyricism that captures your attention from the first note. A dreamy blend of soft piano melodies and heavenly guitar strings opens the song, creating an almost unearthly atmosphere. The leisurely tempo transports you to a surreal, fanciful soundtrack where every note seems to glide with ease. You are quickly drawn into the song’s emotional heart by the lead vocalist’s graceful and clear entrance. WKTD’s exquisite artistry is evident in the way his gentle, heavenly voice floats over the arrangement, bringing the words to life with passion and nuance.
As the song progresses, it takes a surprising yet welcome turn around the 0:54 mark, where the groove intensifies. The introduction of smooth, funk-like basslines and a steady drum rhythm transforms the serene soundscape into something more dynamic, without losing the song’s initial elegance. This transition, reminiscent of The Weeknd’s sultry vibe, adds another layer of sophistication to the track. The lead singer’s vocals adapt seamlessly, rising to meet the new energy while maintaining the emotional weight of the lyrics. Underneath his voice, subtle vocal harmonies provide a rich, textured background that enhances the depth of the song.
By the 1:40 mark, “The Garden” evolves once again, this time introducing electrifying guitar strings that bring the track into full contemporary rock territory. The energy builds, and the song begins to pulse with an infectious intensity, driven by the interplay of the bass, guitar, and drums. The rhythm shifts and turns in a way that feels unpredictable yet perfectly cohesive, showcasing WKTD’s skill in crafting a complex yet accessible sound. The consistency of the drumbeat keeps the track grounded, allowing the more vibrant elements to shine without losing the listener in the process.
The way “The Garden” keeps its flow and intensity while experimenting with these melodic and rhythmic alterations is what really sets it apart. The song runs like a narrative, pulling you farther into its universe with every passing second, even if it is always changing. A remarkable balance is created that stays long after the song is over by fusing an energetic, catchy sound with reflective, depressing lyrics. It’s a strong EP opening that establishes the mood for the subsequent sonic journey.
Hate Me:
“Hate Me” from WKTD’s EP “The Garden” is an undeniable masterpiece of dynamic sounds and vibrant energy. The music immediately captures your interest with its unusual drum beat, which produces a distinct, almost mesmerizing rhythm that pulls you in. The song starts to really take off around 0:12 when layers of enticing piano melodies, heavy basslines, gentle guitar strings, and funky percussion beats all come together in a collision of rhythm and melody. It’s an incredibly strong yet approachable blend of jazz and modern gospel, which is an inventive result. You can’t help but move in time with the beat, tapping your feet and bopping your head to the enticing groove. Up to the 0:32 mark, this combination of sounds creates a wonderful beginning that establishes the mood for the remainder of the song.
At the 0:33 mark, the song shifts, reducing the intensity for a moment to reveal cozy guitar strings and soft piano touches. This brief lull acts as a setup for the return of sleek basslines and groovy rhythms, creating a mid-tempo, slightly upbeat flow. It’s at this point that the lead vocalist enters, bringing a soft yet commanding tone to the track. His voice has a unique blend of power and calm, a juxtaposition that feels like a perfect marriage of hard and soft. As the rhythm intensifies, so does his vocal delivery, seamlessly complementing the energetic aura of the instrumentation. The progression of both his voice and the rhythm from this point forward builds beautifully, creating an emotional undercurrent that enhances the overall experience.
By the 1:11 mark, the song hits a new level of intensity, as the electrifying guitar strings take center stage. The fierceness of the instrumentation escalates, bringing a surge of vibrant energy that’s hard to ignore. The basslines keep the groove alive while the drums maintain consistency, allowing the piano melodies to lace the soundscape with a catchy, almost infectious quality. As the track progresses, subtle shifts in the upbeat rhythm add layers of intrigue, keeping the listener engaged and making the song feel like it’s constantly evolving. The interplay between the instruments is flawless, creating a harmony that feels both chaotic and beautifully controlled at the same time.
The shift at the 2:31 mark is particularly striking, as the song revisits the electrifying guitar strings and the repeated drum grooves, creating a powerful crescendo. The sleek basslines continue to underpin the track, adding a smooth yet commanding presence to the mix. “Hate Me” is more than just a song—it’s a sonic experience that’s difficult to put into words. Everything about it, from the balance and consistency to the groove, magic, and energy, exudes perfection. It’s a vibrant, blissful journey that highlights WKTD’s mastery of sound, and it stands out as a truly unique piece within the EP.
18:
WKTD’s track “18” from their EP “The Garden” showcases the band’s ability to create seamless, perfect transitions between musical elements, making this song an exceptionally captivating experience. Right from the beginning, the track opens with a transcendent duet between the lead vocalist’s soft, exotic vocals and the smooth sounds of guitar strings. The vocals have an almost celestial quality—soft and soothing, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. As the song progresses, the guitar rhythm deepens and is double-layered, bringing a richer sound to the arrangement. The interplay between the two guitar layers creates a melodically pleasing haven with a steady tempo, giving the song a cozy, yet evolving feel.
The background piano melodies add a delicate touch, introducing layers of complexity that are subtly woven into the overall soundscape. At the 0:36 mark, the song starts to transition, revealing smooth, thick basslines that add texture and depth. This marks the beginning of the song’s signature build-up, with the gentle introduction of percussion adding further dimension. As the basslines blend with the electrifying guitar strings, the music reaches a momentous point, providing the perfect backdrop for the lead singer’s vocals to shine even brighter. The subtlety of these transitions keeps the listener fully immersed in the song’s evolving journey.
By the 1:18 mark, the song reaches another level of intensity, with a combination of basslines, reverb-coated drum pounds, and electrifying guitar strings that fill the track with energy. At the 1:30 mark, the rhythm fully transitions into an upbeat, retro-vibe with a thick, textured soundscape that feels both powerful and forceful. The heavy sounds of “18” are intense and energetic, but never chaotic. Instead, the instrumentation’s infectious feel pulls you into its groove, and the lead vocalist complements this intensity with a commanding vocal performance. His voice, now more vibrant and forceful, carries the lyrics with a palpable energy that matches the instrumentation. The clever use of doubletracking in the vocals enhances the song’s emotional weight, adding a fuller, richer feel to the already dense sonic layers.
It is evident that WKTD is a master of sound and structure because of the flawless balance struck between the vocal intensity and the musical depth. As a whole, “18” is a magnificent work of musical art. An upbeat and powerful soundscape with a catchy beat is produced by the smooth transitions and interplay between the instruments. The song remains grounded and captivating despite its harsher sections as it proceeds because to its steady beat. This tune is just another example of WKTD’s musical creativity; it brings magic into every moment and demonstrates how each composition on the EP is created with deliberate care, exactitude, and sheer artistic perfection.
The excellent follow-up to their first EP, “The Garden,” by WKTD, demonstrates their development as songwriters and their capacity to write songs that speak to a broad audience as well as the individual. The group distinguishes itself from other indie-rock acts by fusing lively, captivating instrumentation with reflective lyrics. The EP is a record that appeals to a broad audience because each track offers something unique, such as the catchy groove of “Hate Me” or the profound emotional depth of “Multiply.” While there is plenty in WKTD’s music to like for fans of Inhaler, Sam Fender, and Arctic Monkeys, the band also stands on its own thanks to its distinctive sound. For everyone seeking music that moves them and speaks to their heart, “The Garden” is a must-listen. With this EP, WKTD, a band on the rise, embarks on what seems to be an exciting new adventure.
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