Out of the fall of Dead Pretties came the birth of Wunderhorse, and the scene is benefitting tremendously from the rise of this band which is as authentic to the art of indie-rock in their sound as any one band can be.
Wunderhorse, the four-piece spearheaded by Jacob Slater, redefines and reintroduces themselves with Midas – their second album, which certainly impresses and breaks the cycle of disappointment that often plagues bands with the release of their sophomore works. It’s a cohesive and exciting collection of songs that explore ideas of the self, business, and love. True to its name it’s gold all the way through.
As a whole, the album is somewhat moody with its kicking drums and smooth bass, lyricism devoted to storytelling, and guitars that simply do what they do best and add a classic texture. Title track “Midas” leads off the album and sets the tone for what is to come while lyrically integrating clever references to Greek mythology. “Stop that man, you’re making me kinda nervous / And with a click of his silvered fingers I was falling through the sky” sings Slater. It’s seemingly an intriguing dissection of the business world which is described by Slater as being “somewhere between a chessboard and a nursery rhyme”. It’s a guitar track through and true that’s supported by strong drums and vocals that move easily through the lyrics and keep listeners engaged.
“Rain” picks up where “Midas” leaves off, and to put it simply, just sounds good. There is a balance between the quickened drums and oscillating guitar tones and persistent questioning on Slater’s end of “Do you feel the rain?” that is pleasant to listen to. It’s thought-provoking and haunting in that sense as it suggests lyrically that something is coming that we are unaware of, yet wary of.
“Inside this machinery / Everybody’s crazy / Not me, maybe”, Slater singe on third track “Emily”, another tune that shares a perspective of industry life and the way contributing to the corporate juggernaut feels almost degrading to the soul. It seems to sparks questions of sanity as they view those around them being driven to the brink. With lines like “This apple’s crawling with worms,” and “This job is killing me slowly / Oh well, I’ll keep counting sheep,” the UK band calls to attention some interesting thoughts in a sonically enticing way that makes the ideas that much more digestible.
While it’s a bit lackluster in its instrumentation, next track “Silver” shines in the lyric department. The backing instrumentation is nothing out of the ordinary, but Wunderhorse’s credit, they allow the lyrics to come through in a brilliant gleam. If there’s one thing that Wunderhorse do best in this song, it’s the vulnerability they present through their narrative; “I’ve always known an anger / And I’ve always known a shame / I felt it like a hunger / Before I knew my name.” The lyrics flow seamlessly and at the end of it all insist “it’s only a story”.
Midway through the album is “Arizona”, the standout track of the album where all the elements come together in it in perfect cohesion. Of note, is the vocal quality boasted by Slater which is particularly outstanding not only in how he can deliver the lines but also in how his voice blends and integrates with the composition of the guitar and bass. As for the specifics of the lines, they serve as a beautiful dedication of love and gratitude to an unborn child, in the form of a “broken lullaby”. Slater sings, “Where do you go to, my love? / Everything I owe you, my love / Heaven will hold you, my love,” while the song fades away.
Returning to the corporate world Wunderhorse express the desire for more than desk chairs and paperwork in “Superman”, which wittily plays on the life of the superhero who masquerades as a typical worker, while also having more to offer the world than just that which he can do in the office. The song is a significant slowdown in comparison to the first half of the album, but with that, it remains a heartfelt dedication to all those who yearn to prove they can do more with their life than what might just be expected from them.
“July” is one of the darker and more hard-hitting songs with a repeated wail of “I’m ready to die.” Pleadingly, Slater and the band question, “Why the fuck / Should I keep up appearances? / What’s it gonna take / For you to take me serious?” while distortion rings and guitars riff through the instrumental atmosphere. In a similarly dark and moody vein instrumentally is “Cathedrals”, but it is more of a love song, whereas “July” screams for affirmation in the realm of existence. “Cathedrals” confesses “There’s this little part of me / That is you” and “The cathedrals are on fire / I will set them all on fire / Just for you.” Continuing the expression of love, “Girl” goes about it with an overall lighter approach. It finds Slater singing of knowing and being known by someone in a way that is intoxicating, “Take me in your arms again / Show me to myself / And don’t pretend.”
Bringing Midas to a close is track 10, “Aeroplane”, another standout track for its more acoustic, stripped-back sound which differs starkly from every other track on the album, but shows off a new side of Wunderhorse that is incredibly enticing. The gentle strumming and light hits on the kit paired with Slater’s vocals which take up more of an angelic and bluesy quality, is irresistible. On the whole, it’s a sweet love song that depicts Slater begging for the attention of another with full admittance to how sappy he is for the relationship, “I’m just your / Beggar at the banquet / And I only want / To waste your time.” In all, it’s a love song that would fit perfectly among the likes of Angus & Julie Stone’s “Big Jet Plane” and Ray LaMontagne’s “Such a Simple Thing.”
Across 10 tracks and 40 minutes, Wunderhorse’s Midas is a varied collection that glimmers in gold (and silver) on all fronts. Each track holds its own and proves that Wunderhorse is indeed a force to be reckoned with in the world of indie-rock. They exhibit considerable yet humble strength in all regards of vocals, lyricism, composition, and orchestration. Wunderhorse have undoubtedly conquered the sophomore album and left fans desiring more, especially with the new knowledge of the range this band possesses.
