Wunderhorse - CUB Album Review

Well, Jacob Slater never ceases to amaze. On the 7th of October we were graced with the first LP from Wunderhorse. “Cub” has been highly anticipated by myself and many followers of the London rock scene. Since its arrival on Friday I have been glutinously indulging in this gritty yet elegant record.

The overall feel of the album slightly surprised me. With the most recent singles from Wunderhorse being “Leader of the Pack” and “Butterflies” I thought many of the tracks would have a more punchy punky vibe. The reality is that this is an album which spans the many sub-genre’s of rock and does it very well. “Poppy” is one for the physic-rock lovers with strong influences from the groovy breakdowns of bands like the Stone Roses and Happy Mondays. Where as “Butterflies” utilises some repeating reflective riffs and some heavy resonating bass giving it a Radiohead feel. “Purple” has more folk-like guitar riffs played with some mild distortion on the electric and although this track is laced with some cliche love lyrics; it’s very catchy. From the new tracks on the album, the grungy and moody toned “Girl Behind the Glass” was a stand out for me with Jacob harnessing his inner Kurt Cobain.

Listening to Wunderhorse is like a cathartic release for me, you get the sense that making this music gives that feeling to Jacob. Reflective thoughts of love and relationships are explored expertly throughout the LP. Many tracks were fairly stripped back, highlighting the beauty in the lyricism, then ending in a glorious crescendo of musical emotion. Since Slaters move away from his old band “The Dead Pretties”, he seems creatively freed to write what he wants, however he wants to - and we like it. We eagerly await more from this project and will enjoy this album thoroughly in the mean time.

Words: James Watson

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