At this time of year, music fans and critics are beginning to think about their end-of-year lists. And then some bands deliver a record that makes you reconsider your entire list. That’s the position Sugar Horse find themselves in with the release of their second album, ‘The Grand Scheme Of Things’.
Recorded in a derelict church in Bristol, its creation came as singer Ash Tubb began grieving the passing of his father. As a result, there is a cathartic cloud that soars above this hour-long journey. Never ones to be boxed by genre, Sugar Horse embrace post-rock, post-metal, doom, and dream pop with ease to create a compelling, at times stunning, record.
‘The Grand Scheme Of Things’ opens proceedings by easing in with soothing synths, pensive guitars, and distant, tribal drums building an airy atmosphere. As Tubb’s grief-drenched words push through the mire, the gradual build delivers a gorgeous and emotional soundscape. ‘The Shape Of ASMR To Come’ is equally mournful with cries of “Hallelujah” yet Martin Savage’s pounding drumming injects it with a monumental feel.
It quickly comes to fruition that the Bristol quartet have mastered their ability to build suspense through a blend of ethereal and doom-laden soundscapes. One moment you’re getting lost in ‘Corpsing’s euphoria, the next being pulled down by ‘Mulletproof’s sharp descent. Whereas the pairing of ‘Spit Beech’ and ‘New Dead Elvis’ utilises both quiet and heavy elements with precision. The former pulsates with a hellish fever before the latter sees Sugar Horse at their most visceral. Later on, ‘Office Job Simulator’ arrives with a cinematic scope yet thrives through its thunderous density. In contrast, ‘Jefferson Aeroplane Over The Sea’ is considerably the album’s most harmonious offering. Swirling with atmospheric instrumentation, it exemplifies ‘The Grand Scheme Of Things’ cathartic nature.
‘Space Tourist’ brings things to ahead as Tubbs’ character comes to the realisation that he’s on his own. Its first couple minutes are gentle but sharp guitars stick a dagger into its atmospheric tone. As Chris Howarth’s rumbling bass and Jake Heal’s crushing guitars segue into a 20-plus minute sustain shimmering with shifting distortion. It’s a diverse move that borders on hypnotic and wasteful. However, it’s a minor criticism of a potent record.
While considerably a slight side-step from the somewhat abstract approach we’ve come to expect from Sugar Horse, ‘The Grand Scheme Of Things’ mostly benefits from its linear execution, aside from the excessive finale. Both musically and lyrically, it finds a balance between the light and the dark with neither side outstaying its welcome. Although their song titles continue to lean into their underachieving mentality, Sugar Horse should no longer feel like to be the “butt of the joke” as ‘The Grand Scheme Of Things’ deserves plenty of praise.
‘The Grand Scheme Of Things’ by Sugar Horse is out now on Pelagic Records.
