SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: HUNTER AS A HORSE – LEVIATHAN

HUNTER AS A HORSE
LEVIATHAN
METROPOLIS RECORDS

Hunter As a Horse (HAAH) is, in actuality, one person. She is South African musician and vocalist Mia van Wyk, and Leviathan is her debut album. She has released EPs and singles since 2013, but Leviathan is her first complete album. The years of writing and recording singles paid off, as this is a brilliant album that offers a great deal to the listener. HAAH writes and records dark synth-pop that is both melodic and very danceable. However, lyrically, the overall feeling is like a soundtrack for playing with an Ouija board.

The songs are complex and very layered, musically and lyrically. Some songs are angrier (“Paradise Lost”) while others focus on the darkness in one’s life (“Dead Things”,) but she does it with such intense beauty. But it is not a depressing album; rather, it is almost celebratory. A song, such as “Here’s To All The Ones,” which is not only catchy, but sets up the entire album. HAAH takes us on her journey through her experiences and how they impact her along the way. A song like “Dark Sky” says a great deal in a very short time, but that is what makes this album so great. While some of these songs could be remixed, HAAH is smart enough not to make things overlong. None of the songs overstay their welcome.

Throughout the album, she throws in songs such as “The Fortress,” which is like a wall of sound, but within that wall is a song of pain and sadness. The song envelopes the listener, and it becomes an extremely powerful listening experience. Conversely, she hits the listener with the soft and more mellow “Masochist”. Perhaps a seemingly deceptive title, but it does fit the song perfectly. That is what makes this album so great: the diverse sounds heard throughout.

Leviathan is a well-crafted, written, and fascinating album. Mia van Wyk is to be congratulated on producing original and exciting music within the genre of dark synth-rock. She may wear some of her influences on her sleeves at times, but make no mistake, this is her album. The music never goes over the top, yet it is powerful and hits hard. Her vocals are perfect for the music, and overall, she can take the listener into her world. She incorporates a great many styles and sounds throughout the album. With each listen, it is like a new experience. There is a great deal to discover on Leviathan.

SPILL TRACK OF THE MONTH: HUNTER AS A HORSE – “LEVIATHAN”

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