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The newly resurrected and refounded Combat Records, once home to the mighty Death, Megadeth, and no, not Gigadeath (haha!), but an early partner with Earache Records in terms of U.S. distribution, is back in action and their first new release is by L.A.'s Horse the Band. The accompanying press release says they are "often described as an experimental Nintendo-based hardcore band" and I cannot say this is unfounded. Alternative Press magazine included Horse the Band as one of the "Top 100 Bands to Know for 2005" and I ask who cares? I suppose the record label folks and management, etc.
As to the music, there is a definite Hardcore presence that, not unlike label mates At All Cost, also incorporates a lot of outside influences -- many that are completely foreign to Metal, again, as with At All Cost. The Hardcore parts are quite good and the vocals are strong but not forced. Overriding everything, though, is a permeating Nintendo keyboard sound. The CD case has a sticker on it saying "If you like: Reggie and the Full Effect and Dillinger Escape Plan buy this album!" They should've written "If you like Mr. Bungle, Bloodhound Gang and Nintendo games buy this album!"
In all seriousness, or as much as there can be on an album driven by video game sounds and some Hardcore abuse, I don't get it. Actually, I just don't get either of Combat Records first pair of releases. Maybe they are way ahead of the curve or perhaps they are dangerously close to crashing into the rear of Dillinger Escape Plan and Candiria. This is not for everyone as I know Metalheads are not openly receptive to quite a great many things. The press release says this is a highly anticipated album and I question "by whom?"
| Tracklist |
| 1. Birdo |
| 2. A Million Exploding Suns |
| 3. Manateen |
| 4. The House Of Boo |
| 5. Heroes Die |
| 6. Softer Sounds |
| 7. Octopus On Fire |
| 8. Soaring Quails |
| 9. Taken By Vultures |
| 10. A Rusty Glove |
| 11. Sand |
| 12. Lord Gold Throneroom |
| 13. The Black Hole |
: 50.08
| Buy other Horse The Band albums |
