Bran Van 3000 – The Garden

Remember Bran Van 3000? Yeah, that band—the one behind the late-‘90s chill-out anthem “Drinkin’ in LA”. For many outside Quebec or parts of Europe, that’s still the one song they’re known for. But they’ve quietly continued crafting genre-bending music, and now they’re back with their fourth studio album, The Garden.

If you’re surprised they’re still around, you’re not alone—“Wait, they’re still making music?” is a common reaction. But The Garden, a 15-track kaleidoscope of sound, proves they’ve still got it. From the orchestral soul-pop of “Garden Waltz” to the acoustic pop-rock vibes of “Oui Got Now,” the record spans genres with the same fearless experimentation that’s always defined Bran Van 3000. The lead single “Grace (Love On The Block)” mixes techno, dance, and hip-hop, while “La Dolce Vita” leans into full-on Eurodance.

James Di Salvio, the band’s founding visionary, remains at the helm, curating an album rich in collaborations—too many to list here, but each bringing a unique flavor to the mix. The result is a record that’s easy to dance to, but also rewarding for a deeper, more relaxed listen. There are moments where the album channels the rhythmic punch of DJ Champion or the playful energy of Radio Radio.

I’ll admit I missed out on their last album Rosé, but Discosis still stands out to me as their most underrated work—”Astounded” is a forever favorite. That said, The Garden is a strong contender, bursting with life, creativity, and heart. It’s a beautiful record, one that deserves more attention outside their home base of Quebec.

Bran Van 3000 should be doing more international promotion—because they’re way more than just the “Drinkin’ in LA” band.

Best tracks:

• Garden Waltz
[audio:http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4791237/02%20Garden%20Waltz.mp3]
• Oui Got Now
• Drop Off
• Grace (Love On The Block)

[audio:http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4791237/07%20Grace%20%28Love%20On%20The%20Block%29.mp3]


• Jahrusalem
• World Party
• La Dolce Vita
• Journey
• Stillness

The Garden gets: 📷📷📷📷📷📷📷/10.