Begun as a lo-fi solo side project, Holy Sons has grown over its 15-plus year history into an obsessive focal point for singer/songwriter Emil Amos. 2016's In the Garden finds the Grails drummer returning once again to his one-man outfit, joined this time out by journeyman producer/engineer John Agnello (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., Son Volt). As on most of his past Holy Sons albums, here Amos plays all the instruments and supplies all the songs. The difference this time is that, with Agnello's expertise and sophisticated studio ear, Amos was able to dig deeper into a nuanced and sonically layered sound. Bringing to mind the vibe of classic '60s and '70s rock LPs from bands like Pink Floyd and the Beach Boys, In the Garden finds Amos applying his throaty croon to a set of literate, dark-hued anthems accented by a lush cornucopia of moody guitars, drums, and piano.
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