Concert Review: The Garden’s full-on assault

Joaquin Lewis

Music Journalist

“What’s going on?”

“Who are all these people.”

“Why are they all wearing, like, weird make-up?”

When considering the perspective of unsuspecting passersby, the mass collection of audience members wrapping around Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater could be viewed as out of the ordinary. Dressed conspicuously in their all-black outfits, accompanied by a face full of jester-like makeup, the crowd gathered for that evening’s performance were bound together by a collective itch that only The Garden could scratch.

During their previous tour, promoting their album ‘HORSESHIT ON ROUTE 66,’ I too found myself happily dressed in matching attire, waiting outside the venue for over an hour in anticipation of the duo. However, on official business this time with KTSW 89.9, I opted for a distressed red t-shirt and vintage light-washed blue jeans to set myself apart. Our mission was simple: visit the ticket booth, present our IDs, receive our complimentary tickets, and provide press coverage for both The Garden and the evening’s opener, Alice Glass.

Upon arriving at the ticket booth, we were quickly informed that our names were absent from all four guest lists for that evening’s concert. The attendant’s reluctant demeanor only added to our stress as half of our assignment began evaporating before our eyes as Alice Glass took the stage. After sifting through a trail of emails between KTSW 89.9 and Alice Glass’s press representative, photographer Andy Page was able to secure our credentials from the attendant with persistence like none other.

Navigating past security, we stepped inside the walls of the venue to find a sea of all-black outfits. The scale of the crowd, which had seemed daunting enough outside, now felt almost oppressive. The faces of audience members had conveyed exactly what we had been dreading: we had missed Alice Glass’s set. Despite this setback, we quickly found a sense of opportunity as we positioned ourselves before The Garden’s performance began, focused on making our coverage for the evening worthwhile.

As the house lights dimmed, an eerie fog came over the crowd as Wyatt and Fletcher Shears took the stage. Launching into a foray of instrumental chops, with Wyatt on bass and Fletcher on drums, this tour brought a noticeable change—each brother was distinctly recognizable. Known for their twin-like synchronicity, The Garden typically sported identical haircuts and outfits. But this time, Wyatt, fresh off tour from his solo project Enjoy!, had stark black hair, a sharp contrast to Fletcher’s bleach blonde. The contrasting looks highlighted the status of their individual journeys as artists embarking on this short but sweet eight-show tour.

Launching into their song “What Else Could I Be But a Jester,” a wave of disruption shot through the audience, transforming the venue into an environment of head banging and self-incited mosh pits—an electrifying and rare sight. As the band transitioned swiftly to their second song, “Horsesh*t on Route 66,” twins Wyatt and Fletcher stayed glued to the instruments they had entered the stage with. This, too, marked a shift away from their usual performances. Typically, the twins would swap instruments and share vocal duties, a chaotic style that had acted as their signature. This time, however, they stayed firmly planted on their chosen instruments, each playing with intensity and proficiency.

The Garden continued their set at a breakneck pace, leaving no time for deliberation or interaction with the audience. Bringing forth an energy reminiscent of late 80’s punk shows, the ethos of which can be felt under the twisting and bending of the Stubbs floorboards. Having run through what felt like three albums worth of songs in just under an hour, The Garden had walked off stage in the usual fashion, preparing for their pre-planned encore. Hopping back on stage to complete their set with songs “Stallion” and “Banana Peel,” the crowd left the venue satisfied as they spilled out onto the streets of the Red River Cultural District.

As always, The Garden delivered a perfect taste of their Orange County punk sound that the Austin audience loves. Instead of a talkative set, they opted to provide a buffet of fan favorites, leaving the crowd bruised, bloodied, and satisfied. Though there are no official signs of change within the band, a noticeable shift has taken place on this tour. It might be nothing, but it is something to note. At least I will.