London-based four-piece alt-rock band Two Headed Horse have not been around for very long, but they already have plenty going for them. For example:
1) A great name.
2) An intriguing bio: “Their songs are slightly leaning, lit by candlelight and shot through the prism of a horse that – for some reason – had two heads instead of one.”
3) They have been played on 6 Music.
4) Their music was featured on the Apple TV series Long Way Home (starring Ewan Mcgregor).
5) They have a brand new single: “Waking Blow”.
The song starts calmly, the insistent tap of the drum machine contrasting nicely with the guitars, which flow like warm honey.
James Gable’s vocal has a wonderful, crystalline tone as he delivers the irresistible melody. I love it when a song has a hint of melancholy, and “Waking Blow” captures that subtle sadness perfectly.
Layers come and go, and the second verse hits harder than the first as the full live drums arrive. The main motif floats above the track, illuminating the song like a guiding light as it rises and falls.
The twang of the guitars, and the characterful throwback sound reminded me of a vintage REM track with a modern edge.
Unfortunately I couldn’t get my hands on any lyrics (always a shame), but I managed to pick out a couple of nice, poetic lines to quote:
“Waking Blow
Bedsheets moving, don’t know if you’re up yet
Everything is meaning
Like there’s something in the way the light divides us”
There isn’t a single wasted moment on “Waking Blow”; just steely confidence, a silky smooth energy, and a band in full control.
It’s crazy to think Two Headed Horse only formed a couple of years ago, because this new single sounds like a seasoned band at the height of their powers. Take a listen to “Waking Blow” below.
Written by Grubby
