SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BEING DEAD – WHEN HORSES WOULD RUN

Being Dead
When Horses Would Run
Bayonet Records

Powerful storytelling, dreamy vocals, styles ranging from stoner rock to psychedelia to garage rock, and intriguing instrumentation make When Horses Would Run by Being Dead a pure delight.

When Horses Would Run features top-notch songwriting that is thought-provoking, intense, dark, and full of vivid imagery, with the grim lyrics of “Last Living Buffalo” and the gloomy lyrics of “Misery Lane” being two standouts. However, this is not always the case as occasionally the lyrics can be silly and fun, as seen in the wholesome “We Are Being Dead”, as it is unserious, playful, and full of happy vibes. The joyful attitude of Falcon Bitch and Gumball on the track is super infectious too.

Falcon Bitch and Gumball are an amazing team vocally. Their harmonies are just so good and catchy. One of the best from the album is “God vs Bible”. The minimalistic approach to the track allows both voices to truly shine.

When Horses Would Run is full of incredibly entertaining songs. “Treeland” is super chaotic, wild, and crazy. The punky garage rock guitar riffs and the fierce yells of “BACK!” are thrilling to listen to. It is safe to assume this will become a crowd-pleaser. “Daydream” is another highlight from the album. The mixture of surf rock and psychedelia is soothing, and the opening “la la la la la la’s” are gorgeous and comforting. Overall, the track feels like a warm hug from a friend. Lastly, “Muriels Big Day Off” and “Holy Team” have surprising style changes. The former features jazz elements which are incredibly groovy. The latter has an unexpected tempo change and some creepy and sinister instrumentation that is both haunting and stunning. Both songs absolutely rock.

Being Dead does a tremendous job in creating an immersive sound that invites the listener into the worlds they have created. This is most evident in “The Great American Picnic”, which does a superb job of conveying a picnic on a Western landscape.

When Horses Would Run is great from start to finish.

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