Jenks Miller created this album as a means of cathartically dealing with his OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). And while it won’t be to everyone’s liking, Horseback often makes one feel uncomfortable or unnerved, but in a very good way. Divided into four sections or songs, the album begins with a 17-minute “Finale”. With a lengthy string of drones and guitars, the tune sounds like an epic or mammoth introduction. Yet it’s still a very pretty track that seems to flow easily throughout. It’s a tune that fans of Mogwai would definitely appreciate and admire. “The Golden Horn” meanwhile continues along that path, with Miller adding more piano and putting the guitar feedback in the background. This seems to be a more reflective and thoughtful piece. Perhaps the most interesting song of the four is “Laughing Celestial Architect” which is a decent blending of both first and second song styles, resembling Kevin Shields and his Bloody Valentine or, to a lesser extent, Spiritualized. However, at some point it becomes just a bit mundane and tiring, almost lulling the listener to sleep. The closing “Blood Fountain” is definitely the highlight for the simple fact there are vocals here to offset the sweet music.
Gerald Collier: How Can There Be Another Day?
Horseback
Burly Time
2007-04-30