Dear listeners and readers of Soundville,

Today, let’s take a step away from the usual music and explore a corner of sound that often remains overlooked and forgotten. Guiding us there is the new EP ‘Haiku Islands Volume Two’ by Warren Teagarden, recorded with Mark Pistel at Room 5, mixed by Grace Coleman at Different Fur, and mastered by Lien Do at Different Fur. What makes this release intriguing is that it’s the second part of a trilogy of mini-albums that are not as straightforward as they might seem. Warren Teagarden has long been part of the scene, an indie rock songwriter from San Francisco who skillfully blends unusual concepts with the lyricism of rock ’n’ roll, indie rock, and punk. In the past, he found success with his band Warren Teagarden and the Good Grief, building a loyal fanbase and gaining radio support.

Now he has set out on a solo course, and this latest project is one well worth your attention. Especially if you enjoy an EP born from reflection, meant to give each listener room to think, to reach the core, and perhaps find that core is different for everyone after hearing the trilogy.

You might say, “Wait a minute! Where’s that mystery we started with?” The answer is simple and complicated at the same time .The project’s three-part title, ‘Haiku Islands,’ points to two intertwined concepts. The first, “islands”, means that each track in these releases stands as a self-contained whole: its own story, its own arc. Something whole, constant, and independent of the rest.

That’s noteworthy because in most long-form releases, tracks tend to lean into one another, weaving a single continuous fabric. But in Warren Teagarden’s ‘Haiku Islands Volume Two’, one track = one island = one story. The other side of the, “haiku’,” reflects the 5-7-5 concept running through all three volumes. And here’s where things get really interesting: the first EP, ‘Haiku Islands Volume One’, came with five tracks; the second, ‘Haiku Islands Volume Two’, has seven; and the third, ‘Haiku Islands Volume Three’, yet to be released, will feature five tracks. Perhaps you’ve already guessed the meaning of these numbers?

These are natural prime numbers, or “numbers of the universe.” By incorporating mathematics into music and creating an EP based on prime numbers, Warren Teagarden builds something absolutely infinite, untouchable, and directed toward infinity and the universe. Of course, mathematics might seem complicated if you remember it from school, but let’s rise above and allow ourselves to philosophize about math, since everything in this world is subject to the logic of numbers and the laws of mathematics, just like the laws of physics. This can be very mystical and unusual, and if you dig deeper, you’ll find an incredible amount of interesting ideas and concepts, especially around prime numbers. Warren Teagarden uses them in his EP series and in ‘Haiku Islands Volume Two,’ which makes the release incredibly captivating, mystical, and filled with a very interesting atmosphere.

Mixing the idea of islands as a whole and prime numbers as an undeniable sequence, you could even say the building blocks that make up the entire universe. There is a certain parallel to be seen here. You know, between the two concepts, the fundamental notion of an island and numbers. I suggest you take a timeout right now, put aside all your affairs, and just listen to a great track that grabs you and where a careful listener can find interesting ideas.

The EP opens with the first track, ‘Hella Kismet Shit,’ an unrestrained rock ’n’ roll blended with vivid motor rock and Warren Teagarden’s punk vocals. This intriguing track immediately charges you with great energy. It’s also the main symbol of the entire EP – very adventurous, bright, and energetic. It’s a fictional attack against a certain controlling figure who pursues and demands obedience. ‘Hella Kismet Shit’ was inspired by the image of a former manager, his incredible pace of life, and sharp remarks, without which you simply cannot survive in this fictional world. Next comes ‘The Accen,’ a track that leans more toward indie rock with driving electric guitars and a very warm rock sound. Warren Teagarden’s vocals add a storytelling feel to the song, which is a quite engaging approach right from the start. ‘The Accent’ feels inspired by images of nightlife, wild nighttime driving with windows down, challenging reality, and the “laws of attraction.”

I like how in ‘Fun Times’ the atmosphere turns lighter and more groovy. carefree and airy. ‘Fun Times’ carries a bittersweet irony filled with vivid imagery that arises in the mind. From the bright vocals, duet, and a sense of warped humor comes a special atmosphere that warms up and draws you into a unique sonic space. I must admit, this is one of my favorite tracks on ‘Haiku Islands Volume Two.’ I can’t leave out ‘Learning Love’ with its remarkable rhythm, energy, and simply wild guitars. This track seems to highlight all the lightness in a rock rhythm to create the perfect mood for enjoying fantastic indie rock and wonderful vocals featuring Eliza Hunt. ‘Learning Love’ is about a relationship that didn’t go as planned. It’s quite compelling to listen to such a vivid track because you can find a part of yourself in this theme, can’t you?

Then ‘Tell the Truth’ takes us back to a more hazy and dark sound of lo-fi garage punk, with a very warm and gentle guitar perfect for reflecting somewhere between reality and imagination. ‘Tell the Truth’ hits because that’s exactly the feeling one wants from good music. You can close your eyes and just listen to Warren Teagarden’s voice, singing as if just for you right now. That live sound feeling is crucial and conveys a huge part of the release’s conceptual depth. The final track ‘Birthday’ closes the second part of Warren Teagarden’s major release on a reflective note. Its unhurried sound and relaxed vocals immerse us, the listeners, in a story about two completely different nights with two New York bands against the backdrop of shifting relationships. It is an intriguing theme because it feels so familiar. Many people have probably experienced something similar in their lives. Yet on the other hand, a touch of conceptual mystery can be added. What if this happened to the same group but in two parallel worlds?

This leads me to think there is a hidden wave running through ‘Haiku Islands Volume Two,’ something that works on a subconscious level, painting images that develop from track to track into independent ideas. This is quite fascinating as it is rare to find such a conceptual and multilayered release. I definitely recommend listening to the first part as well and following Warren Teagarden to not miss the trilogy’s final chapter. Perhaps that is where we will discover the resolution and climax of the whole story. This is a really great release and it truly hooks you.

Hey Warren Teagarden! Thank you for releasing such wonderful music. I really love the conceptual sound of the album and the mysticism of the final track, especially the altered vocal production as if it is a voice from the subconscious. It grabs you. When I listened to ‘Haiku Islands Volume Two,’ I truly felt there was some mysticism and something interesting, as if clues were hidden between bars and lines of lyrics. After listening, you want to go back to the beginning and listen again, searching for those hints. This is a really great release. I will definitely share ‘Haiku Islands Volume Two’ with everyone so they can also hear such interesting and conceptual music. I love it and want more!

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With much love,
Soundville