Review Summary: A Newer Autumn Classic
The Blasting Company are a group I had never heard of nor am I aware of any of their other material, but the soundtrack work they’ve conjured for ‘Over the Garden Wall’ is perfection. For those unfamiliar, ‘Over the Garden Wall’ is an adorable animated series that was released in 2016 and has since become a viewing standard during the autumn and right around Halloween. While I could speak to the brilliance of the voice acting, animation style and writing of the series itself, I want more to focus on the music that cascades through every scene.
The variety is unmatched with elements of jazz, folk, americana, rock and indie melded together to create a unique experience. Some of the tracks feature vocal work from the voice acting cast and some tracks have featured vocalists that add their own unique flair to the instrumentals. Running a total of fifty-three minutes and featuring a whopping forty songs, this thing is a breeze to listen to with many of the tracks barely caressing the one-minute mark and not over-staying their welcome one bit. Each track is essentially a one trick pony with a focus, and it doesn’t stray or deviate from its purpose in the runtime. This is essential for the score of the show because each melody, each stylistic choice per track is like a mini vignette that captures a glimpse. While there is a satisfaction of just taking in the music for its own merits, the accompaniment of animation and voice acting really elevates the overall experience.
My personal favorite track is an adorable little tune featuring the child voice actor Colin Dean, “Potatoes & Molasses” which is quirky, blissful and joyous to consume. The second verse “Oh, potatoes and molasses/They're so much sweeter than algebra class/If your stomach is grumblin' and your mouth starts mumblin'/There's only one thing to keep your brain from crumblin'” is sweeter than honey with saccharine imagery emanating from every verse sung. “The Highwayman” is also a very fun track that has a bit of a spookier, Halloween-ish vibe to its vocal delivery and lyricism. It’s short and sweet and is a lovely little introduction to this particular character in the series.
Overall, I would recommend watching the series above all things and taking in the soundtrack as it appears but even just a listen through on Spotify can bring on those Fall vibes and emotions. It’s the perfect score for raking leaves, carving pumpkins and brisk night walks. Hope everyone enjoys and has a lovely autumn season!
