England Is a Garden cover

England Is a Garden

Cornershop · 2020

48 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant fusion of indie rock and South Asian influences, layered with political commentary and introspective lyricism.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Slingshot — The track stands out with its infectious rhythm and lyrical playfulness, addressing themes of resilience and identity in modern Britain.
  • →
    Everywhere That Wog Army Roam — This song combines sharp wit with a captivating melody, making a poignant statement about race and belonging in society.
  • →
    England Is a Garden — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic essence, using vivid imagery to comment on cultural landscapes and personal experiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album's fusion of genres and unique lyrical approach makes it stand out while maintaining solid songwriting.

What we noticed

  • Tracks often incorporate spoken word elements alongside sung verses, enhancing the political and social commentary present in the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • playful bursts of cultural commentary
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • eclectic sounds for curious minds
  • reflective moments amidst lively rhythms

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • want straightforward, polished production

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'England Is a Garden' was released in 2020, Cornershop had experienced a long career marked by experimentation and cultural commentary. This album followed their 2015 release 'Hold On It’s Easy,' showcasing their continued evolution while maintaining a distinct sound that blends rock with diverse musical elements.
Stylistic neighbors
The Beta Band· Gogol Bordello· Beastie Boys

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 St Marie Under Canon 4:12
  • 2 Slingshot 5:15
  • 3 No Rock: Save in Roll 3:42
  • 4 Everywhere That Wog Army Roam 5:09
  • 5 King Kongs 0:09
  • 6 Highly Amplified 4:49
  • 7 England Is a Garden 1:45
  • 8 The Cash Money 5:19
  • 9 Morning Ben 0:18
  • 10 I’m a Wooden Soldier 5:00
  • 11 One Uncareful Lady Owner 3:52
  • 12 The Holy Name 8:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata