THE TIDE, THE THIEF & RIVER'S END

CHorse blend their influences to create a unique sound, which probably has a bit more development in it yet. Yes, probably born of Tool, raised by Dream Theater and Pain of Salvation with regular baby sits by Opeth and that naughty Djenty uncle, but there is more going on than that, maybe Jeff Buckley, Paul Macartney and Roger Waters dropped by a little and there's an occasional loungey vibe too. Basically, there's a bunch of facets which keeps things interesting.

'A Gift to Afterthought' starts proceedings with a clean riff before cranking it up. Vocally you can hear the resemblance to Tool, but CH are more song oriented and there's more of an emphasis on melodies and the use of falsetto to enhance that.

'Waters Edge' cruises along with gentle falsetto melodies and acoustic guitars, never losing your interest, before building to an Opeth inspired riff barrage.

'Atlas' starts soft and almost commercial before mixing in a djenty riff to spice things up. It's almost radio friendly in parts, and the chorus is nice and catchy, but alas, there's a tempo change so radio won't get it...

'Into the White' is the backbone of the album, showcasing some beautiful melodies that build to a crescendo at the end of its 8 minutes. Nice and powerful. At this point it's worth mentioning the loose lyrical theme of the album, which seems to be based around a prediction of the worlds demise and the witnessing of the same. I'm sure climate change, refugees, oppression all had a bit of an influence. Well worth a read.

'Old Cracks in New Earth' is an instrumental piece, starting heavy but then showcasing a nice mix of smooth jazzy leads which showcase Sam Vallen's fluid lead guitar work. It is these leads which do provide that extra class to CH.

'Dark Hair Down' is the first single and begins with some nice lead work before cranking into a powerful Djenty riff in the verse. The strong chorus will get I your head and just wait for the blistering solo from SV.

'Theif' is a tasty acoustic piece with a nice calm feel, leading into the finale.

'All is Quiet by the Wall' kicks in with a big riff and another shredding solo before a nice riff in the verse that really grooves . The gang shout chorus is done well. There's still plenty of light and shade in this, one of the heavier songs. Happily, there's another couple of solos before a few choruses lead into the slow building finale a with the lyrical theme summary that "this is our home".

Caligula's Horse have what it takes to be appreciated by many. They have the class, they're savvy in the new business of music and they're only young. There should be plenty more to come. Look out!

Share this CALIGULA'S HORSE review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to praj912
• Report this review (#1093969)
• Buy CALIGULA'S HORSE music online with PA partners
• Show all CALIGULA'S HORSE MP3/Stream
• Go to CALIGULA'S HORSE page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to The Tide, the Thief & River's End page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for CALIGULA'S HORSE related discussions