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| Album, Gig and Band Reviews |
Waterhorse – ‘Nature Laughs Last’ (September 18, 2007)
Waterhorse
craft attention-grabbing ‘storytelling’ songs. They are also
accomplished musicians who create great tunes. Their story-songs muse
over personal issues, everyday themes and the awkwardness of life’s
outcomes. In doing so, they touch every listener. They weave their
stories around a mix of multi-influenced musicianship, and then deliver
them with earthy vocals creating a sharp edgy sound that demands
attention.
On first listen, precisely played guitars and violin
catch your attention, while the tone and phrasing of the vocals takes
directions you don’t expect. It’s strange but there’s a nagging feeling
you’re hearing something that’s familiar yet different. That’s because
you might find overtures of The Byrds and Squeeze popping up in your
head.  However, any such comparisons evaporate as you get deeper into
the originality of Waterhorse. Terence Reis on vocals works his way
through the lyrics with a distinctive edge that’s suffused with fine
backing from Sarah Nicholls. Sharp guitar and jazzy violin complement
each other at times, but then Dudley Ross and Robin Williams decide to
have little musical duels, which is a key facet of the 'Waterhorse
sound'.
On their CD ‘Nature Laughs Last’ the acid sharp
observations of the eponymous track will keep creeping back into your
head throughout the day. Its incisive lyrics will make you think, and
the theme is just perfect. ‘Do Me No Good’ is another nugget with some
first-rate harmonies, imposing guitar and outstanding violin. At some
point everyone will identify with ‘Can’t Be Arsed’ – had a tough day,
sick of the TV, fed up with work? Play this and you’ll see you’re not
alone. Waterhorse hit the emotion right on the head (or should that be
arse) with this song.
Waterhorse is Terence Reis (vocals,
guitars), Sarah Nicholls (vocals), Robin Wilson (violin, vocals),
Dudley Ross (guitars), Richard Bates (bass) and Paul Townsend (drums,
percussion). Buy the CD or roll along to Canterbury and listen to
Waterhorse – they won’t disappoint. Click here to return to the News page
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