Sometimes it takes a while for things to mature and bubble up, ready for a wider audience. The debut album from one of Hull's best kept secrets seems to be a prime example of this. Not that you can level any accusations of laziness against the band - 2009 saw a debut EP release and appearances at Leeds and Reading Festivals, but 2010 has already surpassed that with appearances on the Pavement reunion tour and a slot at All Tomorrow's Parties.
Hailing from an unheralded and isolated sea port, Horse Guards Parade maybe reflect their environment. There are no half-measures - you're either in or out. This isn't casual pop music - these songs demand a bit of effort from the listener. Despite this, there's a bigger picture. It can't be denied that Americana certainly looms large, whether it's the post rock experimentalism of 'How Can You Take Me Dancing?', the Western soundtrack feel of 'As the plane lifted its wheels' or the heart-breakingly beautiful cosmic country of 'Since You Fell Of My Axis', but it always retains an eccentric English feel, thanks to the wry lyrics which run the full gantlet of the eccentric to the sublime.
|
What Horse Guards Parade do so effectively is remain consistently contrary. They're simultaneously joyous and downbeat, optimistic and crushed, familiar yet different. There aren't many British bands left who deliver this and but never leave you complacent enough to feel like you've pinned down. Treasure the ones we have. Start here, with 'Ten Songs'.
www.horseguardsparade.com
|
