Hardcore metal combined with 80's video game keyboard bleeps, sprawling, seemingly random structures and atonal howls, grunts and even plain old talking may sound like a recipe for a terrible album but somehow HORSE the band combine these disparate elements on "Desperate Living" to great success. This is the band’s first album on Vagrant Records and their fifth studio album to date.

Inspired by the 1977 film of the same name by John Waters, "Desperate Living" is an album that delivers a level of intensity few metal / hardcore acts seem to be able to achieve or even maintain in the modern music scene. It's is pretty unrelenting! The lack of regular structure in most of the songs adds to a difficult listen but persistence opens up a diverse genre spanning record that is both deeply melancholic and refreshingly original.

Guest appearances from Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu and classical pianist Valentina Lisitsa lends depth over previous releases and new drummer Daniel Pouliot is adept and hard hitting although maybe not quite as technical in his playing style as their previous drummer Eli Green.

Overall "Desperate Living" might not appeal to the masses but if you are a fan of intense, dark music then I would definitely recommend giving "Desperate Living" by HORSE the Band a listen.