The Gardening Club is back with their second single, “Mr. Forster Reflects,” from their forthcoming album, “Another Country,” set to release later this year.
Purchase and Stream the track on Bandcamp:
Rejoining the musical journey are Martin Springett on vocals and acoustic guitars, Drew Briston (Sultans of String) on fretless bass and Kevin Laliberte, handling music and production direction. The band also welcomes new member Chendy Leon on drums and percussion.
Music by Martin Springett, Kevin Laliberte
Lyrics by Steve Bennett
About “Mr. Forster Reflects”:
“Martin was eager to delve into Forster’s idea, articulated in the final passage of “Howards End,” that achieving a connection between rational thought and emotional impulse – the head and the heart – could lead to greater enlightenment, both personally and politically.
We aimed to depict Forster’s Cambridge – where he studied and taught at King’s College – as an imagined journey along the River Cam. This approach acknowledges the city’s broad cultural and intellectual influence, as well as Forster’s own struggles with his ‘open’ sexuality and his conscientious objection to war, despite his active service overseas.
Some listeners may notice subtle references to Pink Floyd, Crick and Watson, Nick Drake, and the Chinese poet Xu Zhimo, along with occasional glimpses of familiar Fenland landscapes. Others might decide that these references are unimportant and simply enjoy the song by embracing Forster’s own timeless advice: ‘only connect.’” – Steve Bennett
