Some songs tell stories; others make you feel like you’re living in them. Patrick Staniforth’s English Garden does both. This delicate yet powerful track is an intimate reflection on meeting a long-lost sibling and the emotional whirlwind of connection and grief that followed.
Musically, English Garden is a masterclass in contrast. The warm, uplifting arrangement—layered with acoustic and electric guitars, steady bass, and atmospheric keys—creates a gentle sonic bed for lyrics that carry the weight of loss. The chorus, in particular, feels like a hug wrapped in melody, as if Patrick is reminding himself (and us) that love remains even after goodbyes.
The collaboration between Patrick and Graham McGregor-Smith in crafting the song is evident in the poignant lyricism and natural flow of the composition. And with Ivo Vollering’s production, the track achieves an effortless balance between polish and raw emotion. If you’re a fan of Noel Gallagher or Michael Kiwanuka, you’ll find English Garden right at home in your playlist.
As the fifth track from Pieces Pt1, the song is a testament to Patrick’s ability to make deeply personal experiences feel universal. There’s something profoundly moving about hearing an artist open their heart so unreservedly.
So, if you’re in the mood for a song that’s equal parts bittersweet and beautiful, English Garden is waiting for you. Just press play and let it take root.