The tags to IVY GARDENS are fairly vague—Stoner Metal (trans: fuzzy rhythm); Sludge (down-tuned); Post-Metal (uhm, anything). Personally, I’d call them Stoner/Experimental. Musically, I don’t think they’re trying to fit into any particular subgenre. I think they just play what they like. Lyrically, I didn’t sense a unifying theme. More like a collection of ideas and concepts fleshed out in loosely related profiles and vignettes. All of this adds up to a kind of laissez-faire attitude that celebrates the fleeting nature of everything.

Take for instance the band’s commentary on their cover art: “The cover features a former mascot who died a very quick death. He’s immortalized forever on this record.” Fucking hilarious, but oh so philosophical. Their commentary on the album is similarly astute: “We consider Goon to be a historical document. At a particular point in space and time, somewhere in a sweaty basement in Southern Ontario, we achieved a sound. Sonic belligerence, and euphoria through volume. The words flowed out naturally from personal struggles and experiences. Here it is documented: Goon.” So, A+ on their general vibe. They seem like a bunch of guys you’d want to have a beer with and talk Russian literature.

What we know: IVY GARDENS formed circa 2021. At least that’s when they dropped their debut EP. So any time before then, really. They’re based in Ontario, Canada. They are a trio. They released their sophomore album, “Goon,” back on April 19, 2024. They endeavor to be entirely DIY. They built their own jam space, mixed and engineered their own material, and homebrewed their cover art (Sebastian Hogg). All of that is to say they are fairly resourceful and might be on the spectrum.

Now the album. Nine tracks, about 32 minutes. Mixed bag of Stoner and Experimental and even flourished of Punk. The vocals are clean, the bass sludgy, the drumming innovative, the guitar work decidedly Prog-ish. The keyboards are less ethereal symph and more Hammond-style, standing in almost as a second guitar. My favorite tracks are “Boner” for the KYUSS vibe; “Clorine” because the lyrics are just fucking hilarious. I mean, that’s chlorine exactly; “Lamb” because it reminded me of that weird-ass movie; and “Provider” because it creeps oh so well.

So, “Goon” by IVY GARDENS. Pretty cool stuff. I like the inventiveness of it. Not something you’ll find carbon copies of. I also like the Stoner edge. I could use some more despair or a splash of Satan or something to dampen the light, but I appreciate that not all metal has to be sinister and dark. Definitely worth checking out.