Wrapped in secrecy and cryptic messaging, ‘Horse Driver’ is a highly peculiar album, a leftfield-coded exploration of alternative rock genres and gritty psychedelia. The record emerges from the eponymous band, operating out of Richmond. VA. Previously released as a digital-only EP, the record has now been re-issued in an expanded form, as well as with a remaster. What we hear today is ‘Horse Driver’ in its mature form, essentially paying tribute to the project’s early days.
As mentioned previously, the American band appears to embrace a mysterious identity, and not much is revealed about the record’s creative process and lyrical ethos. Yet, we feel as though this is exactly the kind of album that’s better approached with a fresh, empty mind, and because of that we are able to relate to it in a truly personal. unbiased way. Introduced by its title track, ‘Horse Driver’ navigates the space continuum between shoegaze, post-punk and grunge.
It’s a highly hypnotic formula, one that invites escapism and introspection. ‘Burn The Rain’ follows on the same theme, perhaps embracing an enhanced alt-rock allure. Synths make their appearance, as well as the project’s otherworldly, gloomy vocals, here delivered with a haunting whispering tone. ‘Silver Tongue’ starts with a repetitive electronic loop before diving into a more classic rock arrangement. There’s lots to discover across the album’s nine episodes.
Recommended! Discover ‘Horse Driver’ now: