Childhood friends Sam McLeod and Andrew Frazier, who started making music together when they first picked up instruments in their homeschool band at age 11, are pleased and ready to share more of their original indie sound with the world. The dynamic duo called horsebread is thrilled to share their 8th release of the year, “ontherun.”
Sam and Andrew first bonded over a love of music legends like Radiohead and Sufjan Stevens.
Their bright, resounding tones capture the best of new wave indie groups Warpaint and MGMT, but with an artistic sense akin to mavericks like Nirvana and Radiohead. With their latest single, “ontherun,” all these influences come cohesively together in a track sure to allure fans of modern indie rock. “ontherun” starts with synth pads topping the intro, pulling you in right away with its zestful but delicate vocal notes.
Guitars then chime in, contrapuntally winding melodic lines around the insistent, pounding lower registers. The sweetness of the delivery complements the articulate musical composition and brings an expressive core to these chaotic sounds. Sam’s vocals fill the air, while intricate, organic musicianship brings forth a lush sound that has taken me somewhere else with each successive listen. “ontherun” talks of dealing with addiction and the myriad push-pulls between giving in and keeping one’s feet on solid ground. The waves of sparkling guitars and ambient pads swirl in, layer upon layer, as the musical textures build upon the overwhelming feeling of being swept away while desperately clutching at the leash of sanity.
“ontherun” impresses because of its technical musicianship: the agile yet atmospheric bass work drives the rhythmic foundation while underlining harmonious subtleties. The interwoven guitar parts sparkle with a precision that is organic in its fluidity. It has this dynamic feel, with new layers emerging with every listen. “ontherun” is a great promise, one sure to linger well past when those reverb-drenched last notes fade.
My obvious passion for storytelling in song left me wanting to dive deeper into their other material. Sam and Andrew have put the time and dedication into cultivating their melodic identity; I will be looking for more new releases, as their innovative approach to indie rock left me riveted and in anticipation of seeing where the talented artists go. This single turned me into an instant fan of this vibrant musical duo. I highly recommend searching online for “ontherun” and listening to get the full experience of Sam McLeod and Andrew Frazier’s huge musical talents.