As they run riot over the alternative scene, we catch up with the slick four-piece, Lime Garden, and discuss their musical firsts.

Have you ever heard of “Wonk-pop”? Even the most discerning music buffs may raise an eyebrow but be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. Meet Lime Garden: a quartet not just serving up some of indie’s freshest music but sculpting an entirely unique genre themselves. Chaotically charged yet eccentrically brilliant, Lime Garden infuse their tracks with indie, pop, disco and even surf rock serving up a soundscape that ensures grungy guitars to envelop woozy beats whilst lyrics act as insightful commentary on modern society.

 

Treading the non-conformist path with slick swagger, Lime Garden—made up of Chloe Howard (vocals), Leila Deeley (guitar), Annabel Whittle (drums) and Tippi Morgan (bass)—are already on the road to greatness. Only bursting onto the scene in 2020, the Brighton guitar heroes have shared stages with some of indie’s biggest prospects, such as IDLES and Bombay Bicycle Club. Fast forward to 2024, after announcing their debut US tour and their biggest UK headline tour, they sit at the apex of their career. Yet this meteoric rise isn’t a mere mystery. Lime Garden are fearless and bold, leaping over genre hurdles whilst weaving earworm hooks into a tapestry of lo-fi textures, all to a bossa nova groove.

 

With a steady slew of idiosyncratic singles under their belt, Lime Garden’s knack for injecting innovation into the scene is only becoming more evident as they approach the release of their debut album. Titled One More Thing, the album promises to breathe life into the mundane, serving as a heartfelt ode to their formative years. Plucking sounds and aesthetics from noughties indie sleaze and modern alt-pop, the project is a colourful amalgamation of upbeat sounds, fuelled by their unflinching spirit to experiment with different sounds.

 

From the shoegaze dreamworld of ‘Mother’ to the infectious dancefloor anthem of ‘Floor’, One More Thing feels like a welcomed glance into Lime Garden’s psyche. Through the twists and turns of distorted guitars, swirling synths, and dance-worthy drumbeats, their penchant for the unpredictable comes into play as they pull on the threads of inspiration from 80s ballads to even country music.

 

Whatever the fate of “Wonk-pop,” we are glad it will resonate with Lime Garden’s boundary-pushing artistry. As they continue to do things their way, we sit down with the eccentric quartet and discover their musical firsts, from crushing over Stevie Nicks to their affinity with their label, So Young.

First time you fell in love with music?

I went to see Wolf Alice when I was 14, and that gig changed my life. I had always loved and obsessed over music my entire childhood but the moment I saw them play I knew it was what I needed to do. From that day, I would lock myself away and practice guitar for hours on end every night after school.

First song you were infatuated with?

Discovering Stevie Nicks was a huge one for me, my dad lent me his copy of Tango in The Night. ‘Seven Wonders’ is still one of my all-time favourite songs. Pure ’80s drama, I love it!

First gig you ever played?

My school friends and I started an all-girl band called Samsara. We were completely obsessed with Nirvana and rocked out hard in a school assembly to a mash-up of ‘On a Plane’ and ‘Song 2’ by Blur.

First time you worked with someone who you admired?

Meeting and working with Sam and Josh from So Young is still crazy to me. I got their magazine every single month and would carry it around with me at college obsessing and admiring the latest selection of underground bands. To be recognised by them as a cool band was a turning point for us and I’ll always be grateful to work with them.

First instrument you owned?

A pink acoustic guitar fresh out of the Argos catalogue.

First time you felt starstruck?

Being stageside for Phoenix in Switzerland.

First thing on your rider?

Beer.

First track you play when handed the aux?

‘Instant Crush’ by Daft Punk, always!

First artist you’d add to your dream festival lineup?

Slint.

First purchase after a major music cheque?

A red Bugatti.

Listen to One More Thing:

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