Album Review : Being Dead debut album When Horses Would Run offers refreshing take
It has been a little over a week since the release of the Being Dead debut album When Horses Would Run. The Austin band (featuring bandleaders, Falcon Bitch and Gumball) has offered a refreshing take on alternative music. Their sound takes listeners on an adventurous journey through quirkiness, reminiscent of off-kilter dishes like spaghetti and ketchup. The music is so enjoyable that it’s like tasting the best ketchup sauce you’ve ever had. Their singular style also allows their music to blend well in unexpected ways like the aforementioned food combination.
When Horses Would Run skillfully captures the essence of Being Dead’s live performances, delivering an exhilarating 13-song extravaganza that keeps listeners eagerly anticipating what comes next. The band’s vanguard music writing skills shine through as they expertly blend a multitude of styles (post-punk, pop, indie and garage rock), creating a captivating musical experience for the nerdiest of listeners.
Let’s break down this masterpiece:
The opening track “The Great American Picnic” belongs in the title credits of an indie Sundance film festival movie. The guitar picking recalls an outlaw turned hero riding their horse and arriving in a small town where no one knows their name.
As the track transitions into the eccentric “Last Living Buffalow,” its powerful message becomes crystal clear through the poignant lyrics: “I see a buffalo lying dead on the floor, Fur for fashion, fur for fashion, You are pioneering fashions of the new world… You killed them.” The song’s emotional resonance lingers as it gradually fades into the distance, leaving a lasting impression.
The popular track, “Muriel’s Day Off,” seamlessly blends a myriad of catchy sounds with a dissonant jazz template, creating another captivating musical experience. For a more in-depth description, visit our man, Case Cockrell’s story on their album release at Sagebrush here at The Cosmic Clash .
The 44-second “God vs Bible” tune perfectly aligns with the wild surf-rock of “Come On”. By this point on the album the unknown has become clearer and the adventure continues pacing itself with the perfectly titled “Daydream”.
This record boldly embraces a fast-paced track titled “Treeland.” With poetic brilliance, the lyrics skillfully guide listeners to the next location, keeping the adventure alive and vibrant: “Take your best horse up the country, Take your life force, Kill your best horse.” This evocative verse adds depth and intrigue to the musical journey, capturing the essence of the album’s adventurous spirit.
Our next destination on this Being Dead debut album brings us to the somber title track, “When Horses Could Run.” The song delicately portrays perfection marred by its own imperfection. The utopian lyrics describe a scene “On a hilltop in a fairy book, In a dream or with a closer look, The promised land of soft and green,” setting a serene backdrop for the harsh truth revealed in the chorus: “For horses to run, For horses to run, When horses would run,” concluding with a lingering, drawn-out piano chord that enhances the emotional impact of the track.
Being Dead’s song “We are Being Dead” is a sort of anthem for the band. The group’s inline description states “Juli’s guitar organically cuts out while we are about to run the first take of “We Are Being Dead”… What happens next is pure magic”
As we reach the song “Holy Team,” our outlaw’s decisions take a significant turn as they seek redemption. “Me so evil, Me rejected” The depth of this transformation becomes evident in my personal favorite track, “Misery Lane.” The song’s frustration and agitation drive a desire for change, breaking free from the monotony of life. Only to realize that your own misery lingers in its own perception. “There’s no fairytale town, Where everybody had a good day”
As the album draws to its conclusion, our hero completes the full circle of their journey. The track “Livin Easy” encapsulates the essence of who Being Dead is as artists and musicians. The lyrics express the complexities of the artist’s personality “My wrath has an attitude Lashes out and forges feud, Some condemn me for my ways, But I know it’s just a phase, Livin’ is easy (xForever)”
As our hero rides into the sunset, the perfectly crafted ending comes with “Oaklahoma No Scotia.” The song fades away, leaving us with the anticipation of a potential second rendition of the magnificent “When Horses Would Run.” Ending with lyrics that will ring until the next album, “Rippin’ down the street on Highway 43, Sippin’ on my cocaine soda”
This Being Dead debut album is a magnificent piece of art. Don’t take our word for it. Stream the record from Being Dead’s Bandcamp page then grab a copy and maybe another for a good friend.
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