Album Review: Wunderhorse - 'Cub'
Wunderhorse have quickly and assuredly got everybody talking. The rising stars have created a certain electric buzz ever since the release of Teal in 2021, with even more anticipation built with the release of the Leader of the Pack EP in July of this year.
The first album from Wunderhorse titled Cub, is sure to set ablaze a new immense wave of fans. Cub features all of the hits that have made people listen previously in awe such as Butterflies, Leader of the Pack, 17 and Teal. However, the album is adorned with new releases which are tantalising for the ears. Before delving into the new songs from Wunderhorse it is important to clarify just how truly spectacular the formerly published numbers are.
Leader of the Pack, the most streamed release to date is an energetic and angst-filled anthem enriched with addictive hooks and clever lyricism. Jacob’s vocals are power fuelled as they offer up a sense of honest exasperation. On the other hand, Teal is a building ballad fuelled by raw emotion. The guitar riffs are still representative of Wunderhorse’s typical musical style, however, the release bears a more stripped-back and slow-building effect. Teal is a beautifully curated song that builds to an explosive peak. It is an incredibly fashioned story, a story within both its instrumentals and lyrics.
Many of the other songs that feature in the album follow in the footsteps of Teal with its slow building tempo and nonchalant aura. Mantis is the perfect example of a song which follows the same structure. Mantis is euphoric, elegant and airy, making it an easy listen. Other songs on the album such as The Girl Behind The Glass and Epilogue also take a slightly more relaxed approach but they are also met with a definite grunge influence through the second part of both songs. Slater is brilliant at taking the listener on a journey in each and every song, one is never able to tell quite what the entirety of the song will sound like from listening solely to the first thirty seconds. Purple brings a much more charismatic and zestful energy to the table, it is freshening to see such a diverse set of songs within one album, no two songs sound interchangeable.
Jacob Slater has taken a journey over the past few years to find his path which is a notion that is intricately reflected within his songwriting. From being in the Dead Pretties, to appearing in the hit-show Pistols, to fronting Wunderhorse, there is no doubt that Wunderhorse have any signs of slowing down. Wunderhorse have already, pre-album release, been adored by Spotify, with the bands music having been added to playsuits such as the The Rock Listand Shockwave. Wuderhorse are gaining attraction at some serious momentum. Succinctly, Cub is an ingenious album, overflowing with Jacob’s magnificent musical expertise. Wunderhorse are like a cool wave, refreshing the listeners of the 21st century, and showing any music lovers how breathtaking hard-hitting music can be.
Words by Sophie Bourgeois
