Caitlin ConnorsThe newly three piece band from Pennsylvania surprise dropped their 3rd LP on 26 May. On this album, the band explores capitalism, technology and as lead singer Lydia Slocum puts “this album is less ‘I am a victim’, it’s more ‘I kind of suck.’” Yet this does not stop Feeble Little Horse from delivering one of the most interesting indie rock albums of the year.
Get To Know
Unless you’ve been submerged in the rock indie scene, chances are Feeble Little Horse are a band that you might not have come across. Although Bitknot marks the release of the band’s third album, they are still relatively new. They burst into the music scene in 2021. In that time they have become a favourite among critics and fans of the genre. Especially with the release of their last album Girl With the Fish.
Hailing from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, the band is made up of lead vocalist Lydia Slocum, guitarist and producer Sebastian Kinsler and drummer Jake Kelley. This is the first album released since founding member Ryan Walchonski decided to part ways from the band.
Previous with Walchonski part of the band, the band had released two albums and an EP which included Girl With a Fish, Hayday and modern tourism.
Death Money Tech
Compared to Feeble Little Horse’s other projects, this album is punchier with its social commentary. Throughout, topics such as capitalism and consumerism are explored. They capture the feeling of how it feels to feel empty and exhausted by this culture we live in.
Each track is memorable in its own way. There is no doubt that this album was created with the intention of this feeling like one coherent project. In saying that there are some definite stand out tracks. “Dior“ is the albums magnum opus. The song creates a magnificent buildup especially before the bridge while keeping the cooky technological production and heavy guitars. The melody is intoxicating and a song I would be excited to hear live to head bang to.
Along with this there are songs such as “Rewind” that bring a nostalgia feel for the past and “Upside Down“ that features both female and male voices singing dynamically together. A personal favourite of mine was “Shopping” where the narrator of the song speaks of the jealousy of another girl and wanting to become her. A reference to the social media comparison that are alive and feasting on users insecurities more and more. All this to a catchy beat and swirling production created a tune I couldn’t stop coming back to.
In particular the ending track “DMT “ (Death, Money Tech) captures the album as a whole. The song has some of the heaviest vocals and electric guitars on the record. The ironic lyrics and heavy messy production airs the frustrations the album was trying to capture. It provided a perfect ending
Expanding Genre
Before this release Feeble Little Horse would have been cemented in the indie garage rock genre even sometimes touching on shoegaze. This album has marked a change for the band. In saying that they have not left behind their roots but instead expanded on what they know they’re best at.
Each track keeps the signature electric guitars DIY sound the band is known for. On top this the band expanded their sound using an indietronic technological element to each track. Sometimes this is only done subtlety like in “Poison”. Other times the band gets extremely experimental like in “Guts”. Overall it is an experimentation that plays throughout the album.
It is really interesting how the band keep the production within the confines of the band with Sebastian Kinsler. It kept the sound cohesive across the album. Additionally it allowed for the subject matter to be heard through the music and not just the lyrics. With this release it has definitely become harder to box this band into one specific genre.
Final Thoughts
When listening to Feeble Little Horse you are guaranteed the soft voice of Lydia Slocum paired with heavy garage style guitars and drums. This record delivered that and more. They expanded on the sound they already had to explore what a more cohesive sounding album both in subject matter production could look like.
To be quite honest I found it a challenge to find any critiques for the album. The only issue I could find was how short the length of the album was. A part of me would love to hear what a lengthy song from the band would sound like. At the same time the short catchiness of the hook’s of the band’s songs is what makes Feeble Little Horse themselves.
Although I have a soft spot for Girl With a Fish as the album that I discovered the band from, I think this album has a better longevity and message in its delivery. It is an album I kept finding myself putting on again and again. This could also be attributed to the shortness of the songs but I don’t see myself stopping listening to this album anytime soon.
For an album that is only 25 minutes in length, it is well worth the listen. Especially given the band is going on tour. You could just find your new favourite underground band.
