California-based duo, The Garden, performs to a sold-out crowd at Brooklyn’s popular venue, The Knitting Factory.

The band, consisting of twin brothers Wyatt (bass guitar/ vocals) and Fletcher Shears (drums) performed an eclectic mix of tracks from their latest release, 2017’s EP U Want the Scoop? and 2015’s album Haha, to an energetic and excitable audience.

Their performance style is something truly unique. The pair switch back and forth from just playing their instruments – albeit aggressively – to abandoning their respective kit to jump off the walls, do cartwheels, dart around the stage, and throw in some shapes for good measure. This style of performing may seem unusual but it is very fitting when combined with their musical style. The Garden openly defy the norm and don’t pin themselves to one single genre – with clear influences of everything from punk, electronic and classic rock to hip hop, grime and rap music incorporated into their discography.

Throughout the evening, the brothers played some of their most popular fan favourites. Early in the set was latest single, the upbeat psych-rock number Clay and title track from their 2015 album Haha, which displays a more classic approach to rock with added electronic elements. The riotous, garage-punk number All Smiles Over Here : ) sees the formation of a mosh pit within the crowd, whilst the twins later incorporate rap and drum and bass rhythms into the psychedelic U Want the Scoop?. They also showcase their talents with synth and electro pop during All Access, which is met with a huge reaction from fans.

Since forming in 2011, The Garden have clearly honed in their live act so as to ensure a memorable performance with no one in the crowd walking away bored. The whole evening is manic, unpredictable and filled with extremely high levels of energy which remains consistent throughout– something which many young rock bands fail to achieve.

Towards the end of the set, the twins are met onstage by multiple fans who deem this the opportune moment to show off their stage diving abilities. It is chaotic, but also fascinating to watch. As the encore continues, a large number of fans invade the stage, and Wyatt and Fletcher become lost among the crowd.

Photos: Katie Willoughby