HORSE THE BAND
Californian metal band, HORSE the Band, have created somewhat of a concept album in their latest effort, A Natural Death. The songs are mostly concerned with nature, man as animal, and life and death. Working perhaps with the idea of life as cyclical, the album ends with the same soft breezes it begins with. In between, the songs act as a metaphor for life’s encounters and emotions, concentrating on inner-turmoil and loss of control. Songs like ‘The Beach’ act as a break from the frenzy and yet these songs are perhaps more haunting than the others. Most of the songs are characterised by fast rhythms, heavy riffs, Winneke’s fierce vocals and video-game type sounds which are helped to achieve using keyboards, samples and a game boy.
The songs work well together and the album is definitely an album rather than merely a collection of songs. Standout tracks include ‘The Startling Secret of the Super Sapphire’, ‘Face of Bear’ and ‘Sex Raptor’. The latter is by far the track which crosses over the most with the metal sound changing into a more electro-pop, rock sound which has a rhythm which could easily be found in alt-rock or indie clubs. It is definitely not a pop song however as the lyrics are carnal and, for the easily offended, unsavoury. It is therefore not very radio-friendly but it is in my view the strongest song on the album. Some of the tracks, particularly on the second half of the album are less standout, or at least they contribute to make the second half of the album weaker. What is clear though is that the songs on this album do have the power to grow on you.
HORSE the Band have a reputation as a strong live band and it seems apparent that these songs would not only be fun to perform but also to listen to and mosh to. The energy of the band coupled with the energy found within the songs would definitely make for a good gig.
Overall, the album is recommendable, particularly for fans of metal, alternative and similar, although it is apparent the band do have the capacity to cross over to different types of music whilst still keeping their stamp on songs.
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HORSE the Band - A Natural Death
