Horatio James – they will have us (2022)
While the starting point of Horatio James lay within the folk genre, as time progressed the project began evolving its sound resulting in something not to be pigeon-holed. Known for their reflective, insightful and sentimental music, the UK-based quartet sonically explore the human condition in modern-day society. Featured on various playlists across the internet, the band is turning heads and building a following. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘they will have us’.
Following their three-track EP Tempest (released in 2019), ‘they will have us’ is Horatio James re-appearing on the music scene. An evolution of their sound, the new track adopts a more pop-inspired sound layered atop the folk style. Yet, while the folk style is still strong, a rock-influenced tinge can be heard throughout the track. Tristan Gable’s dynamic guitar bridges the catchy choruses to the engaging verses. The interesting thing about ‘they will have us’ is how the guitars, drums and keys retain prominence as individual instruments but come together as a melodic whole in the end.
Powerful and hard-hitting, but in the gentlest and smoothest way ever, the soft melody can grip your heart from the first chord. Add James Gable’s hushed lead vocals and you have something that is smooth, soothing and spine-chillingly poignant. I find it particularly intriguing how the quiet melodies can be more inspiring than the loudest track on my playlist. It’s easy to say that Horatio James is one of those loud quiet songs.
So, what do I really think of Horatio James and ‘they will have us’? For me, ‘they will have us’ is a complex song exploring human fragility in a sophisticated and delicate way. Sentimental, sincere and honest, it is a refreshing sound in the UK indie music scene.
For more from Horatio James check out their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
