THE COMMON TASK

Horse Lords is a very interesting band to say it the least, their music is based around micro tonality, polyrhythms influenced by African folk music, often with a very distinct krautrock groove going on. There are usually different confluent rhythms and melodies performed by each member, but they lock in so hard over the drum groove (by steady-as a-rock drummer Sam Haberman) creating a very hypnotizing effect, that can remind of King Crimson's interplay with polyrhythms, with a great emphasis on percussion to get a good drive to the music. The guitar and bass are tuned (or rather, wholly re-fretted) to play in just intonation and occasionally gives of a droning sound not unlike a bagpipe (which is also featured on the third track) that might be unusual at first but they quickly start to form interesting new melodic figures that's actually quite soothing and captivating, but still intense and challenging.

Andrew Bernstein, who is the bands saxophonist and second percussionist, is also impressively capable of playing along to the intonation from the strings and provides some really mind blowing moments on this record, notably the sax solo section in the second track 'Against Gravity'. Next level stuff right there, and the following guitar solo in that track sounds like pure electricity, for the lack of a better word. With these five very intriguing tracks Horse Lords have probably delivered their most polished album to date and should especially be checked out by anyone into the post/math/avant side of music. Stunning musicianship all around, if you like this make sure you check out their live performances too. One of the tightest bands around now. Highly recommended to adventurous listeners!