The emotional landscape of a relationship is filled with potential for devastation and heartbreak. It’s been artistically rendered time and again as an Arcadia of sorts; a mystical and lush if not unsettling place of escape. Expert Alterations’ new single, “Midnight Garden,” is a brief foray into this metaphoric, lascivious landscape; a dark pop song about the consuming aspects of a relationship. “We’re just the prisoners/ Polishing our own chains/ And ask not a question/ And we’ll beg our own pardon/ Just throwing the dirt in our midnight garden.” Though the trio hails from Baltimore, their muted brand of pop would easily fit on a bill alongside UK-based indie projects of the mid-to-late ’80s such as the Vaselines or the Wedding Present. Expert Alterations will release their self-titled debut EP next month; listen to “Midnight Garden” below.

Track list:

01 “Venetian Blinds”
02 “A Bell”
03 “Midnight Garden”
04 “Memory Glands”
05 “Three Signs”

Expert Alterations is out 6/2 via Slumberland/Kanine Records. Pre-order it here.