Hora Douse – ‘Crash’ EP Review

‘Hora Douse’… I’m sure there is a pun or story in that name somewhere.

They’re a three-piece band from Leeds, now playing in Manchester. And we are glad they brought themselves to our attention. Because these guys play some good Rock.

To compare them to another band is such a struggle. But they took me back to when I was a young teenager with ridiculous hair, and bands like Taking Back Sunday and Coheed and Cambria were the only things playing on my MP3 player… or super-cool Walkman.

They’re a mix of attractive, quick-paced, frenzied Rock – but all executed with a control with is evident in each track’s climaxes, falls and overall structure. And they’re so likable!

There’s such an appeal to this band and their music that you’d be happy to have them playing when relatives are over. Not because they’re not “hardcore” or “badass”, but because they’ve cut all of that bullshit out. No gimmicks, just play me some good Rock….

…Like the EP. So here’s Crash

1. Crash – Track one demonstrates a lot with what’s great with Hora Douse. Tom Lee’s vocals are perhaps the most unexpected sound to come from a person since Susan Boyle. In fact, to look at this three-piece, you don’t expect such a high-standard of tasty, whiplash-worthy Rock.

Most notably this track features a nice bass hook, complemented well by the lead guitar and drums. All three rise and fall together seamlessly and are definitely a credit to Hora Douse’s solid efforts to create a decent track to open a decent EP.

And with Hora Douse, the math doesn’t quite add up. The fact there’s just three guys in the band is unbelievable at times – because you could swear you’re listening to a four/five-piece band.

Criticism? Honestly, this track needs an intro. It’s the opening track and you’re thrown in too deep far too quickly. If there’s ever a remastered version, I’ll be all over it.

2. Bored – Track two was released as the band’s single from the EP, and opens with a couple of seconds of distorted interference, which allows you to catch your breath. And you’re going to need to breath in… Quick. Because the next 110 seconds is full of ferocious and continuous riffs that must be incredible to hear live.

Stick me in a small, underground venue with a cheap bar and a crowd full of people that are too drunk to mind smacking each other in the face. Then play this track and everyone goes home happy. Sweaty, but happy. Certainly not bored.

‘I am so bored. So fuck you.’ Yeah, I’m sure there are other lyrics in this track that carry much deeper meanings, but this is the line people will be shouting. ‘STEFAN used THRASH. It was SUPER-EFFECTIVE’.

3. Speak – Track three slows the pace down and we finally get a chance to properly listen to the talent that has gone in to writing the lyrics.

I saw Biffy Clyro live this year and was blown away. And I have to say, many comparisons can be made to Hora Douse and ‘Speak’ in particular. The power and tone of the vocals, combined with the instrumentals. The way they can throw you through so many emotions in one song. And the way certain tracks can just steal the show.

‘Speak’ hits you in four unique stages. No repetition – and I like that in a track. It’s a journey and story from beginning to end.

The slow, hypnotic intro, where we listen to Lee speak about how a moment of revelation has broken walls down, but left him with nobody to speak to. Isn’t that a feeling we’ve all had? Then, ‘We partied on the street’ – instrumentals kick in, as the track builds. Part three, no more vocals, just a spectacular chorus of each instrument being utilised with that controlled fury. Then, a quiet outro which provides a sombre moment for reflection.

No need to speak.

Each track name monosyllabic. Each word simple. Each track straight to the point.

Like I said, there’s no bullshit with this band.

Hora Douse have penned and produced an EP that to listen to through headphones is a joy, but to hear live must be incredible.

Crash is to be released SOON and is available for pre-order NOW. So check out all Hora Douse’s social media pages and keep in touch with the band, because I reckon these three tracks will be the makings of a set-list and playlist which will be Rocking Manchester and the UK for the foreseeable future.

Facebook – Hora Douse

Twitter – @HoraDouse

And Listen to ‘Bored’ and their back-catalogue on their Soundcloud.