Dear listeners and readers of Soundville,

I have something absolutely mind-blowing for you. The double album ‘Road Movie Dream’ by Mighty Horse, one you’ll want to revisit and soak in its magic. But behind the magic hinted at in the title, beneath the punk rock, light psychedelia, gentle ballads, Americana, and post punk, lies a story I’d like to share with you before you dive into listening. Mighty Horse formed in Melbourne, Australia, in 2017 and already have a successful album under their belt. Led by Tony Jackson, the band was gearing up for the release of their second album, one that was meant to shake the world until COVID beat them to it, locking the planet down and separating so many. In isolation, even more songs were born, capturing the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of the musicians, and here it is, the result. The double album ‘Road Movie Dream’, filled with stories and reflections from a significant period, spanning almost an era of Mighty Horse’s musical growth, will be released on all streaming platforms and across two vinyl records on May 4. However, I had the chance to hear it before its official release, and I have to admit, this is music that shakes, inspires, comforts, and stuns.

At the same time, such a move requires a certain level of boldness. Mighty Horse take a stand with ‘Road Movie Dream’. Eighteen tracks, written and performed with love across various genres and styles, bring an overwhelming sense of joy and inspiration through their sheer range. Listening to the album, it’s clear that Mighty Horse aren’t chasing the convenience of the digital age. This record carries the spirit of the past. You know, it reminds me of albums made with a sense of wholeness, of an idea, of an era, not just fleeting hits. I had the privilege of hearing it before release, and I can’t help but share with you some of the standout tracks that refuse to leave my head. The music on ‘Road Movie Dream’ is free, chaotic, and vivid. It’s the kind of freedom that emerges when Mighty Horse is confident in its sound and unafraid to take risks, as heard in tracks like ‘Hey Lah’, ’33 Revolutions’, and ‘Jamaican Dove’. I love how the sound creates a sense of psychedelic haze, distorted vocals, and conceptual melodic progression in ‘Hey Lah’. From hazy vocals and bright alt rock to the stylish soft rock and grooving rhythm of ’33 Revolutions’. It’s movement, freedom, and air, gripping with its flawless power and energy. Just when I think I’ve figured out the sound, ‘Jamaican Dove’ shifts everything with deep bass, echoing drums dissolving into nearly reggae-like guitars.

The vocals glide through the melody, unfolding and hypnotizing. I’m drawn to ‘Complicated’ for its raw punk sound, making it a perfect road anthem. The stylish chorus is packed with joy, groove, and impeccable energy. I’m sure this track will find a strong fanbase among those who love tight, pulsing alt punk rock. On the more upbeat and playful side, ‘Hello Trouble’ stands out, delivering a swinging, vibrant story that practically demands dancing, while the next track, ‘It’s Just a…’, cranks the intensity to the max with relentless punk rock. I absolutely have to highlight the track ‘Blue Out Of The Blue’, with its extended eight-minute runtime and a dark, mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of the best hypnotic films. The band seems to invite you to pause, catch the wave, feel the music filling your mind, and calming a restless spirit. It’s an incredibly hypnotic track and easily one of my favorites on the release. The second half of the album is more intense, heavier, with sharp, unpolished edges and a darker sound. In ‘River’s Gonna Rise And Fall’, crushing guitars carve out a raw groove, while the vocals soar, sending chills down your spine. Absolutely flawless and impossibly infectious.

Yet despite the heavier groove, Mighty Horse stays true to their signature style, offering the melancholic ballad ‘A Reason To Get Out Of Bed’ or the softer, airier acoustic alt rock piece ‘The Garden Where No Flowers Grow’, featuring mystical choirs and layered backing vocals. Closing the double release with such velvety and emotionally rich tracks leaves you in a state of shock and awe, but the final song, ‘Road Movie Dream’, feels like a moment of solace. The track runs for 9 minutes and 46 seconds, during which the melody shifts and unfolds, while the deep lyrics and stunning vocal delivery, with impeccable raw edges, hit incredibly hard. This is exactly the kind of rock that sends shivers down your spine and makes you sway to the rhythm. An incredibly powerful album that deserves a place in your collection. Mark May 4 on your calendar, because on that day, ‘Road Movie Dream’ will hit with a depth, intensity, and uniqueness that anyone searching for quality and originality in music won’t be able to ignore. Absolutely recommended. Wow!

Hey, Mighty Horse! Thank you for putting out such incredible music. Every time I listened to your release, I felt the unity of the entire album. Every track is connected, linked by an invisible thread of inspiration and energy, unfolding and evolving. It creates a tangible wave of sound that touches every thought. I felt like I disconnected from reality, and when I returned, I felt so much better. You know, this is such a rare quality, something only albums made with love and soul possess. That’s why I’ve fallen for your music, and I’m definitely going to share this release with everyone, everyone needs to hear something this flawless and stunning. Keep making more of these mind-blowing tracks. I love it and want more, I’m your fan, hehe!

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With much love,
Soundville