The new single from Brown Horse begins with searing guitar and chunky riffs that are immediate and drive the song in typical Brown Horse style. At the heart of Sorrow Reigns are the twin powers of electric guitar from Nyle Holihan and fuzzy lap steel from Emma Tovell. In particular, Tovell’s lap steel adds great texture and depth while sustained, haunting notes from Rowan Braham’s organ lie beneath. Patrick Turner’s distinctive, understated vocal draws us into the tense, sinister world of Tovell’s lyrics, which are truly vivid and visceral, with startling images giving life to the rawness and dramatic detail of violent experience: “In slow motion, some violence unfolds // Down here, cold, blood and sorrow reign // At the end of days and on the pavement // And in the tangle of stained hands // A stranger takes his life out on another man // Just because he can.”
Through the wonders of greenscreen, the video presents the band in a psychedelic kaleidoscope of images, a collage of the band members performing that reinforces the rough and rugged feel of the music and the sense that Brown Horse stands outside of time; there’s a new indie-rock freshness and vitality combined with the best traditions of alt-country, a sound that can be traced back to the alternative intensity of Uncle Tupelo.
Sorrow Reigns is the second single and opening song from forthcoming album Total Dive, which is due on 10th April via Loose Music. Throughout these new songs, the Norwich-based band seem to swagger with greater intent and purpose, a power and confidence running through the music as they settle into themselves and their musical identity. This will be Brown Horse’s third album in as many years – the band is flying on a wave of creativity. Having just supported the ever-excellent Courtney Marie Andrews in February, the band are set to embark on a headline UK tour in March and April before heading over to the USA and Canada for a run of shows in May. Perhaps even more impactful live than on record, you should see them if you can.
