Album Review: Horsell Common - 'The Rescue'

Having slugged it out for the

last 5 years and releasing a slew of well received EP’s, Horsell Common

are one band that would be deserving of a little success if it came

their way. While “The Rescue” may not be as instantly catchy as

some of the records HC’s peers have released in 2007, it is an album

which will stand the test of time.  

I know it sounds cliché, but

for Horsell Common it’s always been passion over fashion and

it’s that commitment to writing great songs without bucking to the

latest trends which has ensured “The Rescue” was worth the wait. 

Opening track and lead single

“Good From Afar” is exactly what we’ve come to expect from Horsell

Common. Leigh’s drumming is as hard hitting as ever and Mark’s distinctly

Australian voice is in fine form. “Bruise Easy” is one of the catchier

tunes the Melbourne trio has penned in their existence and I have no

doubt it will become a live favourite. 

When a band is set to release

an EP it doesn’t really leave much room for experimentation. They

have to put together a set of hard hitting and direct tunes that will

grab the listener within 30 seconds of being heard. A full length album

is a band’s chance to show us what they’re fully capable of, and

“Automation” is a perfect example of this. The drawn out vocals

over the chorus are nothing short of amazing and the piano flourishes

throughout the track really fill out the sound. A lot of bands seem

to lose a listener’s attention after 3 minutes but there isn’t one

second of this song that isn’t engaging. 

“Help Is On It’s Way” is

hands down my favourite Horsell Common tune. The rapid fire drumming

and aggressive guitar work would be great on their own but yet again,

Mark has pulled another memorable vocal line out of the bag.  

I’ll be honest, I was initially

skeptical of the almost pop nature of “Sing The News” but

on repeated listens it’s grown to be one of my favourite songs on

the record and acts as a perfect introduction to the acoustic number

“Annie If You’re Listening”. With backing vocals from Lisa Gammaldi

(Capeside) the song is the most delicate yet somehow most powerful songs

that Horsell Common has written. 

After a fairly mellow mid section

it’s up to seventh track “It’s OK” to lift the album back up

again. The staggered guitars are classic Horsell Common without sounding

repetitive the open mid section of the song is one of the strongest

points of the record. 

It’s been a long time coming

but I think you’ll all agree that Horsell Common have delivered one

hell of a debut album. Do yourself a favour and check them out on the

Gyroscope tour because I guarantee you hearing these songs live will

be an experience you won’t soon forget. 

1. Good From Afar
2. Bruise Easy
3. Automation
4. Help Is On It’s Way
5. Sing The News
6. Annie, If You’re

   Listening

7. It’s OK
8. I’m Dead
9. The Soun