I mean, when it comes to rock music, tranquillity isn’t often an associated concept. Yet, somehow, Saint Leonard’s Horses manages to pair these two unlikely elements together, culminating an end result that isn’t half bad… or bad at all for that matter. ‘Good Luck Everybody’, the latest offering from Kieran Leonard and his band, is like a synthesis of the classic rock and roll scene: from the likes of the Strokes to the Libertines, elements of the album reflect such stylistic influence, lyrically and musically.
From the opening of the album, we are greeted by ‘Well well well’, a track that could easily find itself accompanying a cult American film starring a teen heartthrob and a myriad of sunsets. What can I say? The feeling evoked from the smooth rock is like a form of captivating escapism. From the mellow verses to the chorus, the feeling of bliss is carried through the track seamlessly, coming to quite a resolute end.
Throughout ‘Good Luck Everybody’, Saint Leonard’s Horses are able to demonstrate their musical prowess as it were by covering just about every crevice of rock ‘n’ roll. Indeed, from the heavy guitar loaded tracks, to the stripped back acoustic pieces, they are able to master all styles without creating an album full of loose ends. The transition from ‘Underwood Milk’ to ‘The Ever Open Door’, for example, is polished despite the two contrasting on a tonal level: whilst ‘Underwood Milk’ is full of edgy vocals and amplified guitar riffs, ‘The Ever Open Door’ has a melancholy tone, evoking a more wistful nature.
Although numerous elements of rock are explored through the album, both music and lyrical quality are maintained to a high degree. With a constant sound of surrealism, Saint Leonard’s Horses add beautiful lyrics and piano solos as a way of tapping into any emotion that hasn’t yet been carried away to the utopia. Finishing the album with ‘The Ever Open Door’ is fitting as the journey experienced by listening to the album is summarised in one song: one minute you could be listening to the soulful bliss of a piano, the next you could be in the midst of an orchestral celebration.
Overall, ‘Good Luck Everybody’ is a perfect escape and a calming force. Despite being a predominantly rock tinged album, Saint Leonard’s Horses use various stylistic techniques as a way of ‘covering the ground’ as it were, allowing itself to be a diverse record yet still seem unified.
Listen on Spotify:
Edited by: Jess Greaney
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxATS_6juv4
https://www.xtramilerecordings.com/Shop/PhysicalDetails?pid=XMR_PH_216