Review By Glen Parkes
Ex-pro snowboarder turned avant-garde garage-rock virtuoso Gus Englehorn returns with The Hornbook, a stunning sophomore release out this January via Secret City Records. With his knack for fusing disparate influences and his imaginative storytelling, Englehorn crafts an album that transcends genre boundaries and time itself.
A Retro-Futuristic Tapestry
The Hornbook is a genre-defying adventure, weaving together the charm of 1950s oldies, the raw grit of 1960s garage rock, the glam sheen of the 1970s, and the indie experimentation of the 1980s and 1990s. The album, mixed by Paul Leary of Butthole Surfers fame and co-produced by Mark Lawson (known for his work with Arcade Fire), reimagines these elements into a surreal, otherworldly soundscape that feels both nostalgic and cutting-edge.
At the heart of The Hornbook is Englehorn’s vivid storytelling. This is particularly evident in the ambitious “One Eyed Jack” trilogy, which unfolds across three tracks. From the eerie interrogation scenes in Part I: The Interrogation, to the surreal revelations in Part II: The Other Side, and finally the reflective epilogue in Part III, the trilogy reads like a Lynchian fever dream set to music.
A Journey Through Sound
Opening with the hypnotic Thyme, the album immediately sets an ethereal yet gritty tone. The track’s jangling guitars and layered vocals are a perfect introduction to Englehorn’s unique sound. The following track, The Itch, is a garage-rock gem with an infectious energy and a cheeky sense of humor that harks back to punk’s rebellious roots.
One of the album’s standout moments is Roderick of the Vale, a sprawling five-minute odyssey that balances delicate acoustic melodies with sweeping crescendos. It’s a testament to Englehorn’s ability to create dynamic, cinematic experiences within a single song.
Tracks like Metal Detector and Sweet Marie showcase Englehorn’s flair for combining quirky lyrics with minimalist arrangements, creating moments of lighthearted charm amidst the album’s darker, more introspective moments. Meanwhile, The Whirlwind’s Speaking dives into experimental territory with its haunting melodies and cryptic, poetic lyrics, leaving a lasting impression.
The album closes with One Eyed Jack Pt. III (Epilogue), a hauntingly beautiful conclusion to the trilogy and the record itself. It’s a track that lingers in your mind long after the final note, encapsulating the sense of mystery and wonder that defines The Hornbook.
A Cohesive Masterpiece
What sets The Hornbook apart is how meticulously it’s constructed. Each track feels like a chapter in a larger narrative, and the sequencing is masterful, guiding the listener through peaks and valleys of emotion and energy. The production work by Paul Leary and Mark Lawson is top-notch, balancing raw garage-rock edges with polished experimental flourishes.
Englehorn’s ability to draw from decades of rock history without being derivative is remarkable. Instead of simply imitating his influences, he reimagines them, creating something entirely fresh and compelling.
Final Thoughts
The Hornbook is an album that defies easy categorization. It’s playful yet profound, experimental yet accessible. Gus Englehorn has not only built on the promise of his debut but surpassed it, delivering a record that feels both timeless and ahead of its time.
Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, indie experimentation, or just great storytelling, The Hornbook has something for you. It’s a bold, ambitious work that cements Gus Englehorn as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary rock.
Tracklist
- Thyme
- The Itch
- Roderick of the Vale
- Metal Detector
- The Whirlwind’s Speaking
- Sweet Marie
- A Song with Arms and Legs
- One Eyed Jack Pt. I (The Interrogation)
- One Eyed Jack Pt. II (The Other Side)
- One Eyed Jack Pt. III (Epilogue)
Englehorn has crafted an album as unique as it is cohesive—a true retro-futuristic masterpiece that deserves to be heard.
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