The Gardiner Sisters

No matter when you check the Top 10 pop songs on the radio, it is almost guaranteed that hundreds if not thousands of Youtubers around the world are clamoring to get the coveted spot for the top cover video.  In the past few years, the ability to bring in thousands of viewers for your covers has enabled many independent artists to build their own fan base, and then try their hand at doing originals.  The Gardiner Sisters are a trio for which that formula has more than paid off.

Hailey, Allie and Mandi Gardiner make up a harmony powerhouse, each with a strong, unique voice, but truly finding their strength when singing together.

gardiner-sisters

It’s hard to even nail down when they began their online careers, but as far back as 2009 they were singing the national anthem at NBA games.  Their ear for harmony and blend is evidence of growing up in a musical environment, as well as careful cultivation.

Their millions of views on Youtube and their numerous covers that are available for sale on iTunes show that they are adept at recreating other people’s work, but it wasn’t until recently that they put together a few original songs for their first EP, The Gardiner Sisters EP.

Although it is only four songs spanning a little over 13 minutes, it is worth the time and money.  Their sound is similar to early Taylor Swift, with the harmonies and vocal layering of The Corrs.  If you are looking for revolutionary production, deeply introspective lyrics and risky ideas, this album will disappoint.  What makes them unique is not these things, but their honesty.  With popular music becoming more and more formulaic, impersonal and dishonest, it is refreshing to encounter simple emotion and transparency.

The EP begins with Make You Love Me, a simple, catchy tune about trying to catch the eye of the proverbial oblivious boy.  The recently released music video features them decked out in geek chic and rejected Halloween costumes chasing the dreamy frat brat.

The second track, All My Life, stands apart as easily the best on the EP. It opens with a naked, finger-picked guitar, over which they sing “When you forget my name and all our hair is grey, I’ll love you, just as much as the first time.” It continues to paint a microcosm of a love that spans from the present to the distant, post-grandchildren future. And while their staple harmonies aren’t as prevalent on the rest of the EP, here they come through beautifully, a perfect soothing complement to the light melody and perfectly raw delivery.

Here is a sampler video of the EP to give you an idea:

For the Taylor Swift fan, the entire EP will resonate. For those of you less inclined to enjoy a teenager’s quest for love, All My Life in itself is worth the $4. Again, not because it will blow your mind with groundbreaking, headphone rattling production, but because it is one of those innocent, timeless, simple tunes that doesn’t lose relevance when pop culture shifts.

Instead of a marketing ploy, the Gardiner Sisters seems to offer a simple chance to be a part of a family. There is something genuine in their presentation that welcomes you, doesn’t try to underhandedly hook you, but just presents them as they are. Frankly, with the overload of over-the-top “personalities” and gimmicks that some internet rift-raft musicians are spamming the web with, they are quite refreshing.

Website: http://gardinersisters.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gardinersistersofficial
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/GardinerSisters
LoudrFm: http://www.loudr.fm/artist/gardiner-sisters/BPepR