Horseneck ‘Fever Dream’
Album Review By Adam McCann
Independent Release/Stoner/Post-Hardcore
The Californian desert has provided rock and metal inspiration for decades from the likes of The Doors in the 60’s through to reaching its boom in the early to mid-90’s as bands like Fu Manchu and Kyuss took centre stage. From that point, the desert has spawned countless bands and more recently Horseneck who have released their sophomore album ‘Fever Dream’.
Formed by members of Chelsea Wolfe and Will Haven, Horseneck refuse to be pinned down by a formulaic stoner cookie cutter. The Californian band achieve this through the addition of horns and keyboards into their music alongside bong ripping bass and crushing guitars. Granted, the typical stoner arrangement of drums, guitar, bass and vocals are ten-a-penny; but it is the horns which make ‘Fever Dream’ so enjoyable. Tracks such as ‘Porcelain Ass’ deliver an Alice Cooper Band in their prime style breakdown that trades off with a horn section so disharmonic and chaotic it invokes thoughts of King Crimson and even Van Der Graaf Generator guesting with Kyuss. Yet, as much dissonance as this creates, it oddly works really well and provides an enjoyable backdrop for ‘Fever Dreams’ to really excel.
With ‘Fever Dreams’, Horseneck have really pushed the boat out, they are taking their sound by the scruff of the neck and demanding that the stoner world know who they are. This album may be a little rough around the edges, but that is part of its charm and at just under 40 minutes, it is difficult to not just replay the whole damned thing again.
Rating : 75/100
MHF Magazine/Adam McCann
