Wunderhorse: Cub

The 2022 debut from Jacob Slater's band Wunderhorse is next up for review, this album was one of my favourites from last year. Hopefully this review tells you why.

Side A opens with 'Butterflies,' arguably the album's most atmospheric track, which truly highlights Jacob Slater's lyrical prowess. As a former frontman of a punk band, this song reveals a completely different side of Slater—one that evokes the spirit of Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell more than it does 'Anarchy in the UK.' It's a stunning way to begin the album.

Next comes 'Leader of the Pack,' featuring a riff reminiscent of 'Sweet Home Alabama.' This track is less atmospheric and more visceral, harking back to Jacob's punk roots. But with its poppy, catchy chorus, it strikes a perfect balance. Its grunge-like sound makes it a standout and a fan favorite.
Track three, 'Purple,' is my personal favorite on the album. The chorus is absolutely captivating, and the song flawlessly conveys Slater's words. It's hard to pin down a specific sound here—it's a mix of influences that combine to create something entirely unique. A brilliant alternative love song, and a true highlight of the album.

Following 'Purple' is 'Altanis,' a track that leans into punk territory with its raw, snarling guitars. The lyrics bring to mind Elliott Smith, adding another layer of depth. It's another standout, and its originality makes it stand apart from anything else in the current indie scene. I can't think of another artist who sounds quite like Jacob Slater.

'17' follows, a track that gradually builds momentum, with the instrumentation—particularly the guitars and drums—taking center stage. The song evokes the sound of Fontaines DC, and that's meant as a huge compliment. If I were to describe Wunderhorse, I'd say they sit somewhere between Fontaines DC and Sam Fender.

Finally, 'Teal' closes Side A, a fierce, riff-heavy track that stands as the band's most streamed song. It's one of the darkest on the album, with Slater's punk past making an unmistakable appearance in his vocal delivery. While they aren’t reinventing the wheel, they don’t need to. These songs are brilliant, raw, and beautiful.

Side B opens with 'Poppy,' a track that is distinctly progressive in sound. It’s a song about choosing the path you take, written by a man who has not only changed the direction of his life but also his musical journey. It's the work of an artist who is growing into himself, and that makes it a truly fascinating listen. 'Poppy' is a perfect showcase of what Wunderhorse is capable of, as well as where they can go.

Next up is 'Mantis,' which brings to mind Blur's post-Britpop era, as well as Radiohead, with its unmistakably 90s vibe. It's a stark departure from the rest of the album and provides a refreshing change of pace. Girl Behind the Glass' offers yet another shift in sound, but it's a simpler approach. It combines snarling guitars and drums with soft acoustics, culminating in a beautifully delivered chorus. The verses have a grunge-like intensity, while the chorus feels almost angelic—a striking juxtaposition that adds depth to the track.

'Morphine,' the album's penultimate and longest track, further highlights Slater’s storytelling ability. The instrumentation here is used masterfully to complement the brilliant lyrics, making this another standout moment on the album.

The album closes with 'Epilogue,' which revisits the punk roots we’ve seen earlier, with a powerful vocal and guitar crescendo that may take the listener by surprise. It’s a snarling, emotional masterpiece. While 'Cub' is an album about Jacob Slater finding himself and embracing new sounds, it ends by looking back to his punk past.

'Cub' is one of those records that you need to listen to really appreciate just how good it is!

Thank you for reading x