Gardens & Villa is the project of five college friends from Santa Barbara, formed following the collapse of a noisier post-punk band and a hitchhiking journey up the west coast. Members Chris Lynch, Adam Rasmussen, Levi Hayden, Shane McKillop began playing in earnest as Gardens & Villa in 2008. The band recently recorded their 10-song, self-titled, debut album for Secretly Canadian on July 19 and this is the result.

The album starts with the new wave sounding and first single “Black Hills.” The result is a” is a heavy, synth-driven pop number that moves along at a comfortably deliberate pace. These creative beats drive the track and the vocals are easygoing in a manner that is similar to the crooning of Ben Bidwell of Band of Horses, but with echo.

Since the band is releasing its 7” today, the B-side is the standout “Orange Blossom.” A cool drumbeat and funky beats give the song a foundation which to build off musically and is definite hipshaker. The pace is similar to the A-side, except, in the words of Ron Burgandy, “taking the bassline for a walk.” Think ‘80s influenced new wave here.

“Cruise Ship” tackles similar themes with a ton of deliberate, synth. There’s a bit more action on this track, but the pace is very lounge-y and would fit in well at a W Hotel or somewhere else super trendy. I can see the British being big fans of this type of sound. In terms of comparisons, think Coconut Records since the vocals channel Jason Schwartzman.

Finally, on “Spacetime” the pace quickens and the band is better for it. Here we see some of the range the band is capable of, if it weren’t so reliant upon synths. Though the lyrics leave little to be desired (repeating “Spacetime” for most of the song isn’t exactly a hallmark of lyrical genius), the music is definitely a refreshing change of pace.

All in all, the quintet delivers a solid, yet unspectacular debut, but shows promise of what’s to come in the future if they are able to expand their songwriting talents and mature as a unit.

The “Black Hills”/”Orange Blossom” 7” is out today and the album will be available everywhere on July 19. Check the band’s website or Secretly Canadian for more info.