Puzzle - The Rotten Opera REVIEW

6.0/10

One of the twins from the brotherly experimental rock duo The Garden has released another solo project with his previous one being in 2019, and it was only somewhat worth the listen.

The album starts off a bit underwhelming, with the track "love is a place to hide" and "Poison Oak". These tracks to me feature boring production and lousy vocal performances from Fletcher. The two tracks that follow, "Castle In The Air" and "The Kiss" are the strongest on the album, with "Castle In The Air" offering solid production and "The Kiss" offering a step-up in the vocal performance. "Personality Ransack" is a fun track, but nothing special to write home about, with the same somewhat going for "One Hundred Geese", a track that offers a groovy bass and catchy melody.

"Vomit On The Canvas" I thought would be a fun track solely based on the title, but I was unfortunately unsatisfied once listening; it's the most forgettable track on the project. "Tip My Hat" also offers a boring beat and bland vocals. "Barking At The Sea" left me with a "meh" feeling. It's just an okay track.

The album ends somewhat strongly with "Taller Than A Smokestack". This track has wonderful dreamy synths and was a satisfyingly calm way to end the album.

This project from Fletcher Shears was an all-around okay listen. Good tracks here and there, but unfortunately nothing really surprised me.

give it a listen