LOS ANGELES, CA- When I first heard Lime Garden’s “Love Song” from their debut album One More Thing, I was immediately captivated. The track, with its sharp lyrical wit and infectious hooks, struck me as excellent songwriting. There was something undeniably magnetic about the way the band layered intricate melodies with their signature sonic flair. The entire album, for that matter, showcases the band’s remarkable ability to blend emotional depth with experimental sonics, crafting an experience that feels at once personal and universal. It was this exact mixture—a cocktail of youthful energy and polished artistry—that compelled me to reach out and interview them earlier in 2024.
Our conversation dove deep into their creative process and the empowering ethos they bring to music, leaving me even more enthralled with their work. As the Brighton quartet announced their first-ever U.S. tour, with a stop at The Echo, my anticipation reached a fever pitch. Seeing them live wasn’t just an option; it was a necessity.
The evening began with the Los Angeles-based band MyVeronica, who set the tone with an electrifying opening set. MyVeronica’s music felt like a love letter to indie rock, tinged with dreamy shoegaze elements and a subtle punk edge. The band, which began as the solo project of singer/guitarist Mia Lin before evolving into a full-fledged four-piece ensemble, exuded a DIY ethos reminiscent of 90s riot grrrl scenes.
Their performance was not only polished but also deeply magnetic, suggesting a maturity well beyond their years. Their music showcased their ability to merge ethereal guitar lines with a driving rhythm section, creating soundscapes that were both atmospheric and grounded. The lead singer’s voice carried a raw vulnerability, punctuating the band’s layered arrangements with an emotional resonance that lingered. Although I wasn’t familiar with MyVeronica prior to the show, their performance left a solid impression, earning them a well-deserved spot on my radar.
As Lime Garden took the stage, the energy in the room shifted palpably. The intimate crowd’s collective anticipation transformed into electric excitement as the first notes of “Bitter” filled the air. The track, with its steady build and cathartic release, set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Lime Garden’s self-described “wonk pop” sound—a fusion of quirky melodies, unconventional structures, and irresistible grooves—came alive in a way that felt both refreshing and nostalgic. For me, their music evoked shades of the 90s indie, grunge, and alt-rock scenes that defined my formative years. Their angular guitar riffs, pulsating basslines, and striking vocal harmonies carried the spirit of that era while simultaneously pushing boundaries and carving out a sound that was unmistakably their own.
“Pop Star” and “Sick & Tired” followed, each track showcasing the band’s knack for balancing playful irreverence with incisive commentary. Frontwoman Chloe’s stage presence was solid. Commanding yet unassuming, she drew the audience into every note, not only with her effortless voice-weaving debut but also with the mischievous smirks she would throw at the audience. “Mother” was a hypnotic jam, creating a moment of what I felt was collective catharsis. The room felt smaller, more intimate, as if the band’s music had the power to dissolve the barriers between artist and audience.
As the set progressed, the energy reached a crescendo with “Nepo Baby” and “Love Song.” The latter, a standout track from their debut album, was a particularly special moment for me. Hearing it live added a new dimension to its already intricate layers, its melodies soaring to new heights under the glow of the stage lights. By the time they launched into “I Wanna Be You” and “Clockwork,” the crowd was fully immersed, their frenetic energy washing over us like a tidal wave. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, each member feeding off the other’s energy to create a performance that felt as spontaneous as it was meticulously crafted.
The set closed with “Pulp” and “Sur N Turf,” two tracks that weren’t on their debut album, and were new to me. They were some of their earlier recorded tracks, and the vibes of those cuts seemed to encapsulate everything that makes Lime Garden so compelling. Playful yet poignant, chaotic yet controlled, these songs served as the perfect finale to a night that left the room buzzing. The band’s ability to command a stage and leave a lasting impression is nothing short of remarkable.
As the crowd began to thin out, I lingered, clutching the vinyl record I had ordered overseas months ago. Getting it signed by the band felt like the perfect conclusion to an already great evening. Lime Garden’s vinyl record has garnered a solid number of spins on my turntable, and their live performance has me feeling that they are a band with immense talent and boundless potential. I can only hope they continue to write killer rock music and return to the States sooner rather than later. Until then, I’ll have One More Thing on repeat, counting down the days until the next opportunity to see them live.
Follow Lime Garden on Facebook, Instagram and X.
*********************
LIVE CLIPS
