Song Stories: Wunderhorse: Teal
Wunderhorse are a band that a lot of people are talking about. Now two albums in, some high profile support slots and sold out headline shows. They have been called one of Britain's best new bands. Their front man Jacon Slater has already lived quite a life playing Sex Pistols’ Paul Cook in the recent TV series PISTOL and fronting the over-before-they-began Dead Pretties. Those who saw Dead Pretties could see the star potential in Slater in those fleeting moments.
Despite the project being over before it had hit the ground running. Slater was determined to continue, and left London and it's punk scene behind, heading instead to Cornwall where he spent time surfing working odd jobs and writing new music.
That new music would become his debut album with Wunderhorse. 'Teal' was the first song released under the new moniker. The song retains his punk snarl, but is more introspective than anything Dead Pretties had released. With a riff that sits between Sam Fender and Neil Young, and heartfelt lyrics about someone close to him.
Slater described the track to the NME. " “It’s about a very dear friend of mine who went through a really shitty patch a few years ago, and the lyrics just fell out.” Where once he aimed to be provocative, 'Teal' sees him being protective talking about his relationships and his own experiences. You can tell that this is a deeply personal song to Slater. It was also more in tune to the music he enjoys listening to.
“I’ve always listened to people like Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, and I’ve written more in that style. I just thought Dead Pretties wasn’t an appropriate vehicle for that. I had a strong idea from when I was a teenager that I wanted to do this really crazy thing on stage, but then I think we all felt something wasn’t sitting right. I wasn’t happy, I wrecked my voice, I wasn’t taking care of myself.” He also commented to the NME.
I remember hearing this song for the first time and being blown away. It's such a profound song, on an album full of brilliant storytelling. The song is full of emotion and has some deep hard hitting lyrics.
“It was the light of a candle, in the depths of the dark/And there was a fire, it danced in your eyes”
"And how could this happen man, I'm just a kid/I've got something to live for, and so much to give"
"You gotta gift man, go and be something/If I was in your shoes, I would be jumping"
Slater's ability as a songwriter really shines on this track, his lyrics are some of the best in recent memory. In a similar way to Sam Fender he can make the heartfelt, anthemic and exciting. Wunderhorse have become one of the most exciting bands around at the moment. Their a band with something to say but combine the impressive lyricism, with punchy guitars, and grunge like vocals.
The bands live performances have become legendary affairs, with the band going from strength to strength live. Now with an arsenal of songs from two brilliant albums, the gigs are only getting better. And bigger.
Wunderhorse are heading out on a sold out tour in May, playing their biggest shows to date. The mad thing there only getting started. The next chapter of the band is their most important yet. With songs like 'Teal' though I'm sure they'll be jumping at the opportunity.
Thank you for reading
Jack