As soon as you turn on the new album by Garagee titled “Garagee III,” you embark on an auditory journey that sounds as mysterious as its name. The album features nine tracks—nine stories painted with sounds in such a way that the listener inevitably becomes the main character of these musical novellas. One could even say that Garagee acts as a director of sorts, who uses instruments and notes instead of a camera, and emotions and the listeners’ imagination instead of actors.

photo by Oli Sansom

“Garagee III” is a doorway to another world, where there are no limits except the boundaries of your own imagination. This type of music is perfectly suited for those who are tired of the monotony of everyday life and are looking for a way to escape, even if just for the duration of the compositions. It’s hard to overestimate how important it is sometimes to “disconnect” and immerse yourself in your own thoughts, and “Garagee III” offers just such an opportunity.

In his new album, Garagee bets on versatility. There is no room for banality or repetition here. It’s an exploration of the boundaries between sound and meaning, and anyone brave enough to discover “Garagee III” will find something very significant there. Meanwhile, Garagee, as always, remains somewhat aloof, like a mysterious narrator building bridges between reality and fantasy.

Here’s my take on the track “Tennaaa”—its mystical sound and rich guitar riffs create the impression of vocals that weren’t even intended to be there. This approach forces you to rethink your usual perception of music and captivates your attention from the first notes, fueling interest in the rest of the album.

When it comes to collaborations, adding names like Steve Kilbey gives the album a unique tint. His vocals on the track “Blood” lay a mystical web over the composition, making it one of the brightest gems in the collection.

“Driver” plays synthesizers so effortlessly and airily that, combined with soft vocals, it immerses you in an atmosphere of mystery and parallel reality. Closing your eyes and turning on “Driver,” you can instantly find yourself somewhere else, giving free rein to your dreams. This track is like a light pop cloud, creating a cozy space for reflection and rest.

The track “Rocks of King” will carry you into a world of melancholy and contemplation, which stands out vividly on the album. Sounds of radio chronicles, whispers of waves, light electric pads, and a solitary guitar create a sense of solitude, leaving you alone with your thoughts. Dedicated to lost loved ones, this track is filled with a sense of detachment and longing, making it especially touching.

photo by Oli Sansom

In “Firewall,” featuring Jane McArthur, you are greeted with an atmosphere of carefreeness. Her gentle performance soothes, while the synth overlays emphasize the timeless character of the melody, holding your attention on Garagee’s unique sonic space.

“Not Our Nature” becomes the most experimental track on the album. The amazingly processed vocal line by Pink Tights, psychedelic guitar, and deep hum create a feeling of diving into the melody. Garagee says that “astute lyrics and vocal treatment ends up sounding more like the voice of the subconscious,” and indeed, this piece impresses with its uniqueness and flawless execution.

The album’s concluding track, “Nothing to See Here…and Everything,” acts as a grounded, reflective piece that mirrors the surrounding world. It weaves together bird songs, wind noise, human voices with the gentle ringing of bells, and chords of an acoustic guitar, creating a cozy and homely warm atmospheric space. This ambient track offers a break from the daily hustle, allowing you to truly enjoy the moment. A splendid album finale that awakens a sense of calm and fills the air with lightness.

“Garagee III” oscillates like a pendulum between psychedelic synthesizers and refined acoustic ambiances. It’s a true journey through a spectrum of emotions, offered by a master of the craft. Each track reveals how the artist plays with contrasts, shifting from deep bass vibrations to airy, almost weightless sounds. This creates a dynamic that compels the listener to experience each transition from song to song. “Garagee III” is an album that demands thoughtful listening. Depths are hidden here that do not reveal themselves immediately. This makes “Garagee III” the perfect soundtrack for those moments when you want to escape reality and immerse yourself in a world of your own fantasies.

I recommend this album to absolutely everyone who values the opportunity to touch something greater, more astral. Garagee once again proves that music is an entire world we can explore, enjoying the pauses between the mundane.

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