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The Eastern Echo Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 | Print Archive
The Eastern Echo

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Review: 'Sketches from the Unknown' brings back 'Over the Garden Wall' in the best way

Pat McHale, creator of the beloved miniseries 'Over the Garden Wall', has just released a new collection of songs from the cult classic.

It’s that time of year again and the fall season is in full swing. As we all know, one of my favorite shows to watch in this season is "Over the Garden Wall." It’s a cult classic loved by many. One of the greatest things about the miniseries is the soundtrack, which was performed by The Blasting Company.

In honor of the sixth anniversary of the premiere of "Over the Garden Wall," show creator Pat McHale has released new sketch songs from the creation of the beloved series. 

As with the previous soundtrack, the songs are all performed by The Blasting Company, and there’s no better ensemble for the job. Their country, jazzy, old-fashioned sound fits the aesthetic of the show perfectly and this is illustrated in both soundtracks. The sound is nostalgic and peaceful for most songs, but somber and spooky for others. This is very much like the show, which has darker themes and events shrouded in pretty art and peaceful music. 

This particular release brings back the memories of watching the show for the first time. I was thrilled to hear about the release of the tracks. Although they are not fully mastered, written, or edited, they still hold that feeling that the show gives me that I love so much. I think the lack of mastering adds to the rustic charm of The Blasting Company’s sound. They sound like a band you’d hear playing in an old country tavern, and it makes me fall in love more and more every time I give them a listen. 

Giving this a listen through made me remember how much I miss the show. There is such a melancholy undertone to everything in relation to the show. It adds a sort of macabre beauty to it which I love. It holds the same charm and wonder that makes viewers and followers return again and again.

The music pulls you and tugs on your heart strings. The massive ensemble of instruments and lovely voices fill the air and your heart with wonderful sound. It feels like a cold fall night in, these songs are a little less sad than the original soundtrack. 

The only emotion I could use to describe this is pleasant. I felt thoroughly and utterly pleasant listening to this again. I get to relive a favorite of mine and it’s wonderful to be able to see more from the creator. This provided a much needed deep breath away from the chaos of the world to just allow for some rest. I felt at peace for the first time in a long time and I feel like that could be brought to anyone who wants to give the EP a listen as well. 

I really loved this new EP of sketches released by Pat McHale and The Blasting Company. I hope to hear more out of The Blasting Company in the future, they are wonderful artists and these projects really show it. You can stream “Sketches of the Unknown” on all major music streaming services now.