Witch Gardens' Sounds of Summer, and the 21st Century Soundtrack to Jimmy Stewart's Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation

Chris Kornelis

At last night's Deerhoof show I was introduced to an up-and-coming Seattle ensemble by the name of Witch Gardens, which set up in front of the Vera Project stage at 8 p.m., and had the crowd -- including half of the 'Hoof -- grinning along in agreement by 8:14. It was only the band's second show, but their early '60s, pre-British Invasion American rock was a welcomed shot to what is looking to be the first week of summer.

Witch Gardens' milkshake-pop instantly reminded me of Jimmy Stewart's 1962 summer classic, Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation, and the Henry Mancini-scored soundtrack, on which their sound, energy, and irreverence would have easily fit in. WG's MySpace samples don't do their budding sound justice, so just listen to Fabian's rendition of "Cream Puff" from Mr. Hobbs, and you'll get the idea of what these kids are capable of.