Neon Horse is a Tooth and Nail gimmick band. A band of mystery whose lead singer was the legendary Norman Horse. Of course as soon as Cuckoo hit myspace and you heard the hook you knew it was Mark Salomon of Stavesacre and the Crucified. The record was a straight forward rock album featuring the recognizable guitar styling of Jason Martin and Salomon's voice going from standard form to quirky high pitched. And it was a good album. Really good. I don't know who put this band together or where the idea came from but Martin, Salomon, and Steven Dail(Project 86) put together a good rock album.
And they have done it again. The new album (Haunted Horse) pretty much sticks true to form as the self-titled debut. More signature Jason Martin guitar work, more quirky Salomon vocals, a very steady back beat (I have no idea who played drums on this album), and very nicely layered synths. It's hard to find a place to really compare Neon Horse. Maybe think Queens of the Stone Age in 80's? It's a good rock album as is the debut.
Side note: The sound of Jason Martin's guitar work has improved a hundred times since he started recording himself.
Two songs kind of hit me weird: Cell-O-Phone and Chain Gang, Bang Bang. Cell-O-Phone has a nice hook and is a good song but the intro keeps taking me aback. It seems kind of Cold War Kids esque and maybe that's why I perk up when it starts. Chain Gang, Bang Bang is just weird. Like... an updated Stray Cats... sort of thing... The song is odd. Again not a bad song but it's weird on the album. Complete with horns and everything.
If you liked the first record, you'll like the new album. You you didn't like the first album... this one might hit you differently but I don't have high hopes that you'd enjoy this. If you like rock music and are looking for something to put in your car while driving or on your ipod while running, I'd give this album a listen.
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