HORSEBATH’s debut album, Another Farewell, is a reflection of their life on the road, deeply rooted in rugged (& vast) landscapes. The 10-song album is drenched in Cosmic Country and Americana, with hints of Tejano and West-Mex influences, evoking the sounds of everyone from Doug Sahm, The Band & Leonard Cohen – they don’t stay in one place for long.
The album opens with its first single, “Hard to Love,” a rollicking saloon-style anthem brimming with honky-tonk piano and country guitar twang. From there, the album weaves a musical tapestry, blending psychedelic allure with vintage sounds and introspective, modern sensibilities.
“Life seems to be mostly about letting go at this point and cherishing the moments that make you feel especially human, or at least close to one,” says Keast Mutter of HORSEBATH. “There’s plenty of devastation in beauty, and it sadly goes both ways sooner or later. You can only smile gratefully at it all while you’ve got a chance.”
HORSEBATH features Keast Mutter, Daniel Connolly, Dagen Mutter, Etienne Beausoleil, and Niall Mutter. The band switches instruments from track to track, and it’s this constant change that may help Another Farewell capture the spirit of a classic 1970s country album while still boasting a modern touch and a breath of fresh musical air. It’s a nod to their influences whilst leading the charge with a sound all their own.
“Everything we did was an experiment of some kind, improvising with instruments, parts, and lyrics.” It shows, and it’s great. Another Farewell evokes the need to get out and see the live shows that HORSEBATH is known for.
I foresee this gem of a listen staying in the Meanwhile rotation for some time.
– @meanwhile_in_music
