Albums: Wunderhorse - Midas

Wunderhorse - Midas

Midas; Rain; Emily; Silver; Arizona; Superman; July;Cathedrals; Girl; Aeroplane
Label: Communion Records


Jacob Slater's post-17 journey has been an interesting one. Having headed to London, he was the frontman of post-punk trio Dead Pretties before leaving London for Newquay and working as a surf instructor. Somehow he then transitioned to acting, playing Paul Cook in Danny Boyle's series Pistol. Then Covid hit, and Wunderhorse was born. An alter ego project for a songwriter with lots to say, the project soon expanded to a quartet (completed by Jamie Staples, Pete Woodin, Harry Fowler, and (albeit briefly) Oscar Browne). With their album recorded, the then quartet earned huge critical acclaim for their 2022 release of Cub. Featured in many an end-of-year best of albums lists, they also proved their prowess on the live circuit before taking time to record the difficult second album.

Midas finally arrives in the wake of a series of hugely impressive singles. Having shown that they have grown artistically in the interim, their sophomore sees them positioned somewhere between Nirvana, Oasis, and Neil Young. With Slater centre stage, their vocal poignancy is clear. He is without a shadow of doubt growing into one of the finest frontmen out there. He allows his emotions to flow, yet maintains control in his delivery to avoid becoming overbearing.

While the album is best digested as a whole, there are some key moments that will no doubt take on even greater depth on their impending UK tour. The blisteringly beautiful semi-lullaby Silver is truly striking, while the devastating Emily is tender and raw in its delivery but powerful in its punch. Yet it is Sing Along Girl's somewhat refreshing simplicity that, in its softness, stands out the brightest.

Midas is the work of a band who fully know their intent. This is a fully rounded sophomore album that impresses from start to finish.