Not every record needs a dramatic concept or an oversized production to leave a lasting impression. Sometimes all it takes is a group of musicians who understand each other’s instincts, a strong collection of songs, and the confidence to let those songs breathe. And that is exactly where ‘Under The Weather’ succeeds.
Electric Horseman’s second album never demands attention through sheer volume or spectacle. It earns it gradually, revealing itself as a thoughtful and carefully balanced piece of songwriting that becomes richer with every listen.
Over these last few years, countless indie rock records have explored uncertainty, but few have done so with this level of subtlety. Throughout these eight songs, the band’s focus remains firmly on ordinary people negotiating complicated emotions. There are departures without clear destinations, reunions that don’t entirely repair old wounds, and questions that remain unanswered long after conversations have ended. It’s recognisably human, and that familiarity gives the record much of its emotional pull.
The band’s decision to build the album around live performances proves particularly effective. Here, the music carries an elasticity that allows every arrangement to develop naturally. The rhythm section provides a dependable foundation throughout, while the guitars drift around one another with an easy confidence that never feels rehearsed for the sake of perfection.
Whether leaning further towards folk-inspired intimacy or stretching into broader alt-rock textures, the band consistently prioritise feeling over technical display. Layers of keyboards, intertwining guitars and understated vocal harmonies never compete for attention. Instead, they quietly reinforce the emotional atmosphere already established by the songwriting.
There is also a welcome timelessness to the production. Recording directly to tape lends warmth to every performance without becoming a nostalgic exercise. The sound feels organic because the musicians trust one another enough to preserve the small imperfections that make performances believable.
By the time ‘Under The Weather’ reaches its conclusion, it becomes clear that this is not an album interested in quick gratification. Rich in atmosphere, grounded in thoughtful songwriting, and performed with quiet assurance, it marks another confident step forward for a band continuing to refine a voice that feels entirely their own.