Words By: Jason Russo

L.A. based alt-pop group Prinze George have released their retro-inspired EP Happy Garden. The project joins several previously released EPs and their debut full length, Illiterate Synth Pop — which featured standout tracks such as “Wait Up” and “Light’s Burn Out.” Happy Garden retains Prinze George’s signature, retro-infused alt-pop sound and gorgeous vocals while exploring new, cerebral themes of obsession, love, and sustaining a relationship.

Happy Garden begins with the bright, 80s-synth driven “Take Off.”  The track could just as easily have been the closer to the album as its nostalgic and soaring melodies make it perfect to play at the end of a coming-of-age film or driving down the highway at dusk. Despite the warmth of the production, the lyrics are much darker and speak to the obsessive feelings of a crush, with the chorus chanting “You can’t take off without me now.”  The verses complement each other, the first stating that the singer is willing to force the subject to love her while the second verse grapples with the ramifications of a chained love. It’s an incredibly intense and emotionally profound track that sets the stage so well for the rest of Happy Garden.

Similarly to the production of “Take Off,” “Garden In The Sky” teems with an infectiously bubbly, bass-driven beat that’s equally as danceable as “Take Off.”  However, the lyrics couldn’t be more polar opposite, as “Garden In The Sky” celebrates feelings of invincibility and perfect harmony within a relationship: “Nothing’s ‘gonna trip us up now/Let the rain fall down/Love is ‘gonna keep us from drowning.”  It’s an anthem to celebrate love and pure connection whose techno-inspired production make it all the more celebratory and fun.

“Wingspan” feels like the lovechild of Troye Sivan and Sylvan Esso. It’s a great moment of reflection on the album, with a slower tempo and reflective lyrics that work as a mantra to never “reach past my wingspan.”  The track teems with frustration and speaks to the themes of nostalgia and love throughout the project.

The infectious fourth single “Centuries,” is unquestionably the break-away track from the album. Not only is it born for radio, but it centers the main concern of the album which is finding a balanced in romantic relationships. “Sometimes I worry that our love is killing me,” the chorus chants, exposing the deep vulnerability of Happy Gardens and showcasing some of the catchiest melodies and guitar riffs on the LP.

Prinze George is an L.A. based alt-pop trio comprised of Kenny Grimm, Naomi Almquist, and Isabelle De Leon.  After dropping their eponymous EP and touring with Albert Hammond, Jr., the group released their debut studio LP Illiterate Synth Pop in 2016 and proceeded to join alt-rock staple Lewis Del Mar on his North American tour, mesmerizing fans at some of the biggest music festivals in the country like Austin City Limits, Eaux Claires, and Firefly.  Since that tour, the group has tackled several impressive new projects including writing songs for Til Schweiger’s indie film Head Full Of Honey, collaborating with Diplo, G-Eazy, and Wiz Khalifa, and releasing another EP. Happy Gardens is just the beginning from Prinze George as the group gears up to release more new music later this year.

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