Putting the Old Horse Down

Putting the Old Horse Down
Label: self-released
Length: LP
Media: CD
Format: Album
WorkNameSort: Putting the Old Horse Down
Former members of area bands A Denver Mile, Band Marino and the Dark Romantics shoot a promising sprout from the local indie-pop crop. Though not particularly original or adventurous in style, they do have a gift for songwriting. The musical approach may not be noteworthy, but not so with their melodies. This debut abounds with immensely likable tunes that are competent enough to best similar national acts. The songs are sweet and fresh-faced, but deftly stop short of cloying. They are capable of orchestral girth (“Great Big World,” “Runnin’ Dry”) and can, at times, sound rather accomplished for a young band. Between the earnest underage singalong of “Come Home” to the big, romantic rock of “House Fire” and “Michigan Street,” the album nicely balances vernal brio with indie elegance. Though sometimes scattershot, their range suggests that their artistic identity isn’t yet fully etched, but once that happens, this band will fetch real attention.

This article appears in Sep 26 – Oct 2, 2007.