Pittsburgh’s feeble little horse has produced a dazzling, noise-pop fever dream of an album with poetic messages sublimely delivered via otherworldly alto vocals in Girl with Fish.
Starting at track four, ‘Heaven’ is a deliciously suspicious lullaby, leaving me unsure if I’m awake or already asleep. The song is a short one but it’s such a magical, teleporting experience you hardly notice. The lyrics leave the meaning up to your determination, but I find it exceptionally comforting. ‘Heaven’ is as if you took all that could be relaxing within dreams and captured it in a bottled soundscape just for you and I can’t get enough. If you need to rest and unwind, the soft melody and effects of ‘Heaven’ will fit perfectly.
‘Paces’ is a bouncing track over some jagged vulnerability in the lyrics. While the vocals discuss being stuck in repetition, the tempo encourages dancing and, again, leaves the listener in an in-between space of exploring the meaning. It feels nostalgic but also like reading someone else’s diary. Another brilliantly crafted song that’s reminiscent of background music in your dreams.
The next transfixing track lies in ‘Healing.’ Clocking in at under two minutes, this song creates a tranquil atmosphere over a bed of vividly hopeful lyrics. With a bold combination of acoustic guitar and electric, experimental riffs, ‘Healing’ acts like a magnet, drawing your optimism out of the depths and into the forefront. A truly refreshing track that’s worthy of its name.
On track ten lies the soul-bearing ‘Station.’ This song contains marvelous instrumental sections and lyrically captures an everyday scene of care. It’s a lovely glimpse into the window of someone’s heart yet so familiar it could be any one of us. It’s tender and universal in how you support someone you love. A moving track that will make you want to grab your partner for a slow dance or send a thoughtful message to your best friend. If you need a dose of kindness, this song is for you.
‘Heavy Water’, the last track of the Girl with Fish album, bravely cracks open small-town aches for all to see. Refuge being a key theme lyrically is further cradled by steady guitar and bewitching reverb. Although the song examines wounds and drowning in everything left unsaid, it’s a slice of truth about trying to find peace.
Overall, I found Girl with Fish surprising. The velveteen vocals and chaotic yet calculated instruments turn these songs into full fledge journeys well worth the venture. All the tracks felt so unique that I was excited to see where each song would lead and the path it would travel to get there. This album was fully self-recorded and produced by feeble little horse and that united energy is felt throughout, developing a cohesive album and signature sound for the band. I highly recommend this album to those who like poetry, enchanting erratic music, and daydreams. Make sure to check out feeble little horse’s current tour list for shows near you!
Tour Dates:
6/25/23 – Washington, DC – Songbyrd
6/27/23 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s
6/28/23 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
6/29/23 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop
6/30/23 – Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern
7/02/23 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry
7/05/23 – Seattle, WA – Barboza
7/06/23 – Portland, OR – Polaris Hall
7/08/23 – San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw Stop
7/09/23 – Los Angeles, CA – Zebulon – SOLD OUT
7/10/23 – Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar
7/12/23 – Austin, TX – Mohawk (Indoors)
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