Wunderhorse - ‘July’ Review: Hyped sophomore album is shaping up to supersede an already perfect debut
July is arguably the biggest track the four-piece has put out to date, appearing aggressively heavier than the Americana-style on Cub in 2022. After hearing the second album in full already, what’s shaping up is an impressive rock record that supersedes an already-perfect debut in every way.
★★★★★★★★★☆
Credit: Wunderhorse 📸
Wunderhorse has ramped things up, dropping another fan-favourite July as a surprise on 15th May 2024. Released via Communion Group, this is the second single to contribute to their upcoming (currently untitled) sophomore record.
July is arguably the biggest track the four-piece has put out to date, appearing aggressively heavier than the Americana-style on Cub in 2022. After hearing the second album in full at a recent Moth Club appearance, what’s shaping up is an impressive rock record that supersedes an already-perfect debut in every way.
Prior to this single, Wunderhorse released Midas, a track which had been road-tested for several years. In our review, we explained: ‘While pent-up and fiery on the surface this is perhaps their most focused to date; lyrically and as a cohesive band effort.’
July is a noticeable cry for help and a release of anger at the world. A lot of the energy and sound being channelled follows the likes of Nirvana, particularly In Bloom. Wunderhorse have always highlighted their influences as ‘the old stuff’ and are fairly out of the loop on the current world of music.
At live performances of the track, Jacob screams a powerful release at the beginning - so loud you can hear it without a microphone. Watch a clip here.
Similar to Midas, intentionally a lot of these mannerisms have been reserved for the stage. This is a band who know how to make unparalleled music that feels cohesive on a record, and then amplify it on stage. It gives you a genuine reason to experience them perform because the shows are simply out of this world.
While one of the grungiest tracks so far, it sees Jacob tapping into his punk heritage with mature sensibilities. As for the band, it’s a consistent step up every time. The talent flowing through these four musicians (Jacob, Jamie, Pete and Harry) is invigorating and almost overwhelming.
With Slater screaming that he’s ‘ready to die’, July alludes to mental health and isolation in the modern world. The murmurs that circulate in the background only add to the haunting and disorienting narrative. Every line in this track could be analysed and dissected, covering mental health hospitals (‘back to the hospital’) and showing signs of becoming one with death (‘little white flowers, I sleep by the windowsill’).
This verse in particular felt chilling:
‘Why the f*ck
Should I keep up appearances?
What's it gonna take
For you to take me serious?’
July is more of a fiery statement than being open to interpretation. The only question is where does the name derive from?
:: Round-Up ::
This is easily one of, if not the most, impressive singles from Wunderhorse so far. The quartet’s continued development is spellbinding. For a band to keep one-upping their previous efforts is rare and a breath of fresh air.
Everything about this new era is darker, from the themes and sounds to the art direction of the music videos. This sophomore album is going to make one thing very clear, you cannot ignore Wunderhorse any longer. This is hands-down one of the most talented bands right now and this music makes our opinion, a fact.
You can catch the band this Summer at festivals, supporting Fontaines DC later this year in Europe, and there are rumours of a headline tour around a similar time. With their website currently locked, expect more surprises imminently.
