Local Adelaide duo Horse & Cart have released their first EP Olfactory. Having played in local haunts for a bit over a year the instrumental post-rock pair have begun to develop a small cult following; one that will definitely not be disappointed by this promising release.

Each track is a slow burning melody that builds into an evocative atmosphere and mood. With subtle textures, detracting little from their minimalist live sound, the band gently adds extra threads to weave a somewhat optimistic, despite their ominous song titles, collection of gentle guitar driven songs.

The opening track On Bouge begins with a sweet chiming guitar melody, accompanied by a tender brushing rhythm. Lingering for awhile the atmosphere slowly breaks down, before reappearing with a much firmer ending. Throughout the EP, following the curse of many post rock bands, are the slow build ups and layered peaks, sharply countered with sudden lows or vise versa. However, on Olfactory these musical motifs are not as intense nor pronounced as the likes of Explosions in the Sky or Mogwai, but more reminiscent of the smoother interplay of This Will Destroy You.
 
The introduction of a trumpet adds a needed dynamic element to the marching Guards of Honour, with its grinding distorted climax. Track three, Church Cables, holds a more dynamic consistency, with an infectious rhythm complimented by a pulsing heavily reverberated guitar. Rather than build up in intensity, the song progressively creates an encompassing ambience without being overwhelming.
 
The haunting Das Einhorn broods with the solemn cello line of guest Xavia Nov (of BrotherSister). The EP is rounded off with the brilliant final track People in the graveyard, the most progressive and indeed the most full sounding song on this release.
 
Though this is not going to push the genre forward, nor break any musical boundaries, Olfactory it is still a solid outing, and a bright speckle in the Adelaide scene. The EP is a beautiful depiction of the band’s original inspirations, a skin which has been appropriately shed with its release. Having laid to rest their past, Horse & Cart are now able to enter the providence of their more recent, darker, and evocative songs unabashed. By no means am I suggesting that there is anything wrong with this EP, for it is great, but for anyone who has recently seen them live, the future looks far better.

On Bouge

TheWunderTales, the second release by sibling duo BrotherSister, is a distinct album of intricately crafted songs embroided with a sincere sense of melancholy and nostalgia. With an outstanding blend of electronic drumbeats, vibrant keyboards and warm cello lines, this LP is a promising release from a band with a lot to offer.

The journey begins with the haunting Lome, were a synthetic harpsichords provides the basis for Xavia Nou’s firm vocal presence. The dry husky voice of brother Dante soon takes over the lead with Drop, were the processed drums become more prevalent. Guin is a highlight, with a dirty guitar countered by a floating melody, indicative of the intricate song-craft from the sibling combination. With this in mind it is amazing to believe that this album has been conceived by siblings often oceans apart.

The pace slows down towards the centre of the album with Given Truth, which perhaps lingers a little too long. Garden Moon is a sweet song, and one of the more youthful and consistently optimistic songs in this journey. The LP picks up with Still Run, full of intertwining pianos and dual vocals. This is followed by We Hung which has a sinister edge contrasted with a distinct melody. Long For provides a comic relief; a bright and cheerful song defined by its ‘chipmunk’ vocal line that may have been better served with a something more natural.

The spooky Neverhead with its swaggering air and complementing string movement features Dante’s voice at its best. With a jittery bass line and dirty drums In out presents a moving instrumental, evoking a sense of isolation and uncertainty. Finishing off the album is Xavia’s tender and delicate singing in Autumn Leaves.

However, even though the music is evocative, it lacks the sense of desperation and thematics insinuated in their live sound. It is much less challenging and more conventional than anticipated. Similarly the vocal tracks at points are limited. Regardless, this is still an excellent record and a clear gauge that there is an abundance of talent beginning to develop from this promising duo.

Buy TheWunderTales online:
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