Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Garden

Genre and Mood

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (TEED), the moniker of British electronic musician Orlando Higginbottom, delivers a poignant and atmospheric experience with "Garden". This track seamlessly blends elements of house, indie dance, and electronica to create a sound that's both introspective and dance-floor ready.

Song Summary

"Garden" is a masterclass in emotional electronic music. It combines driving beats with lush, organic-sounding synthesizers and Higginbottom's distinctive vocals. The track builds a sonic world that feels both expansive and intimate, inviting listeners into a space of reflection and release.

Musical Breakdown

Intro: Setting the Atmosphere

The track opens with a soft, atmospheric pad that immediately establishes a dreamy, introspective mood. Gentle percussive elements fade in, hinting at the rhythmic journey to come.

Verse 1: Introducing the Vocals

Higginbottom's vocals enter, soft and slightly processed, adding a human touch to the electronic landscape. The lyrics paint vivid imagery: "In the garden, where we used to play / Now it's empty, like a motorway." The sparse instrumentation a llows the vocals to take center stage.

Build-up: Layering Textures

As the verse progresses, additional electronic elements are introduced. A pulsing bassline adds depth, while shimmering synths create a sense of growing anticipation.

Chorus: Euphoric Release

The chorus explodes with energy, introducing a driving four-on-the-floor beat and more prominent synthesizer melodies. The repeated refrain "We could be happy" takes on an almost mantra-like quality, blending melancholy with hope.

Bridge: Textural Exploration

Midway through the song, there's a breakdown section where the beat drops out. This allows for a moment of reflection and highlights the textural qualities of the synths. It's a brief respite before diving back into the rhythmic core of the track.

Climax: Peak Emotion

The final chorus builds to a crescendo, with all elements coming together in a powerful blend of rhythm, melody, and emotion. The layering of synths creates a wall of sound that's both overwhelming and cathartic.

Outro: Gentle Descent

As the song concludes, elements are gradually stripped away, mirroring the intro but with lingering echoes of the track's emotional journey. The atmospheric pads return, bringing the listener full circle.

Lyrical Themes

The lyrics of "Garden" explore themes of nostalgia, lost innocence, and the bittersweet nature of memories. The garden serves as a metaphor for a past that can no longer be accessed, juxtaposed against the possibility of future happiness. This creates a poignant tension that runs throughout the track.

Production Techniques

TEED's production shines in "Garden." The use of sidechaining creates a pulsing, breathing quality to the synths. The vocals are treated with subtle effects, placing them within the mix while maintaining clarity. The overall sound design strikes a balance between organic warmth and electronic precision.

Cultural Impact

"Garden" was a breakout hit for Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, helping to establish him as a unique voice in the electronic music scene. The track's ability to blend emotional depth with dancefloor appeal resonated with both critics and fans, cementing TEED's reputation for crafting electronic music with genuine heart.