Review: The Secret Garden - Spirals ft. Cordelia Olwen (Ramrock Red Records)

Let's see what's in The Secret Garden this summer.  Dizzy after Mrs Ramrock's  vocals for 'Names In The Sky', this time is 'Spirals' on the beach, litterally, as that's where Cordelia Olwen's vocals were recorded!

You will recall the previous release by The Secret Garden, 'Names In The Sky' that featured the vocals of Jo Wallace, the boss at Ramrock HQ (see review HERE), that got worldwide plays and was championed by Don Letts at BBC 6 Music.

Well, this time the vocals by Cordelia (50% of Clone + Cord) were recorded so close to the sea that you've got authenic wave sounds on 'Spirals' that give it more than a synth-pop Balearic vibe that's deep. Plus, there's some proper lazy days lyrics here and that's enhanced by the "dreamy" instrumental version.

Apparently, the seed of this collaboration was planted last summer at a rare The Secret Garden gig in the Chiltern Hills where Alex and Cordelia met.  Since then, after some serious file swopping, 'Spirals' will be spinning your head and feet.  

I hope this will be released on vinyl at some point so we can get it played at Chilled Cider (Ed. that's the one that overlooks the sea) but until then, it's yet another summer winner from Ramrock, perfect timing as ever.

 

Artist: The Secret Garden

Title: Spirals ft. Cordelia Olwen

Release date: 28th July, 2025

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR087

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: The Secret Garden - Names In The Sky feat. Jo Wallace (Ramrock Red Records)

Whether it's the Garden of Eden, The Garden of Earthly Delights or indeed, The Secret Garden, here's the flowering of Mrs Ramrock on vocals for 'Names In The Sky'.

Jo Wallace, the boss at Ramrock HQ, has made an appearance previously on the label (see review HERE) was introduced by Dan The Drum (he of 'Jazzcazz - see review HERE) to Alex of The Secret Garden and the result is this great track, 'Names In The Sky'.

Whilst older readers may imagine a John Gordon Sinclair /  Clare Grogan moment on the "End Of Summer" headland/beach but this is always going to be "current" which is kind of ironic as Alex's inspiration and the title was inspired by a Nancy Wilson track from 1968.

But don't get the impression that this is all dreamy stuff as the track (with the instrumental) is serious disco-boogie-funk ready for the spaceship dancefloor (and possibly a dubby remix from the Morris & Wallace team?)

Another winner from Ramrock and perfect timing as ever. 

Artist: The Secret Garden

Title: Names In The Sky feat. Jo Wallace

Release date: 28th October, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR070

Format: Bandcamp / Digital