A Dark Horse – in true pantomime style – is made up of two men, Hugh Rodgers and James Parker. They set out their stall in the press release that accompanies this EP, striving for cinematic imagery of a sepia-toned, wooded nature in their songs. Recorded in the aptly-named Porchlight Studios in Ranelagh, the EP’s crowning glory is indeed its warm textures and generous layering of instruments from the band’s small contingent of talented guest players.
It’s an organic affair, predominantly acoustic and built on a foundation of piano, guitar and vocals. Opener Take Me Home displays the characteristic breathy harmonies, building gently and effectively with some airy accordion. These Butterflies follows with gentle piano before the drums kick in and the high register vocals bring it home. A livelier approach is taken with The Heart Won’t Lie. It’s affirming stuff, handclaps and all, with some effective percussion that sounds like it was rattled out with kitchen utensils.
The songs here appear to stick to a blueprint of a simple guitar/piano/vocal intro that gradually builds until everyone joins in for the big ending. This is no different on final track Silence On The River Of The Moon, but it’s on this track that the band name reveals it meaning. The song is anchored by the banjo, a constant motif that lets the song unravel around its towline. It incrementally builds as it progresses, the insistent marching snare pushing the whole thing onwards. “Love was the sense of the season”, sums up the singer as everyone pulls together for the grand finale. It’s a fine finish.
While largely succeeding in their efforts to invoke a certain autumnal air, it is not until the final song that the EP’s ambition comes to fruition. The previous numbers are serviceable enough and their races for that epic conclusion, if somewhat formulaic, are the EP’s saving grace. Then, it suddenly all makes sense for Silence On The River Of The Moon with all the pieces locking together and creating a stirring and well executed slow-burner. A dark horse indeed.