Brown Horse – All the Right Weaknesses Review

Brown Horse has already contended with the overlooked debut, Reservoir, last year. A stunning piece of work which, in the right hands, is liquid gold. A beautiful listen which, for those who did stick around to hear what the sardonic charm of an English alt-country group could offer, proved to be a brilliant time. Their follow-up comes just a year later, All the Right Weaknesses. Bands and artists in modern times must be prolific, unless they can funnel money from major royalties elsewhere. The speed at which Brown Horse has not just returned to the studio, but continued with further displays of their cutting lyrical knack, their instrumental honesty, is a thrill. All the Right Weaknesses does not look to improve on their first album, there is little they could do in that regard, but it does broaden their horizons as a musical outfit.  

Expect quality. There is a warmth to Brown Horse which is carried over from Reservoir, but the band is not keen to rest on that goodwill. Their instrumental overhaul is nothing short of sensational. Brilliant, overarching moments which blur those heavier guitar thumps with moments of real, tender, lyrical thrills. It is the perfect storm, and that is what the band manages here. Opening track Verna Bloom is an all-timer for the band, a magnificent showcase of those alt-country fundamentals. But it also sheds some light on why Brown Horse are one of the best in class. They are unafraid of change; they lean into those fresh experiences with all the same confidence as warm familiarity. There is a long-running softness to All the Right Weaknesses, an expectation of the genre which is used not as a hindrance but a starting point. Brilliant instrumental builds and that same rugged, alt-country appeal are heard on the likes of Corduroy Couch and the title track.  

Darker, slower tones on Dog Rose prove to be brilliant moments, too. Nothing short of exceptional. From tone to intonation, the instrumental overlay and the lyrical purpose, All the Right Weaknesses has some perfect moments. What keeps All the Right Weaknesses in this spot between perfection and earnestness is the tenderness, the honesty at which Brown Horse details. Patrick Turner’s vocal work is nothing short of astounding, the slightly gruff but heartfelt blur of an alt-country frontman with much to prove. He provides song after song, backed by an incredible collection of instrumentalists, of proof to life in the alt-country spirit. A song like Radio Spirit Bolinas elevates the Brown Horse style even further, cementing the thrills of a much-needed new perspective.  

Their instrumental skill is nothing short of beautiful, their messages of complacency in an ever-changing atmosphere revealing a frequently inspired frontman writing of the troubles of this decaying world. A triple bill of Tombland, Curse and Wipers seals it for Brown Horse. They are, without question, one of the best-working bands out there. Two albums of equally impressive quality, and a selection of songs which underscore the heart and charm of alt-country passions. These are passions which can be adapted and moulded by the modern-day chills. Closer Far Off Places is an outstanding achievement, a very best moment for Brown Horse. Moonshine here, fiddle there, but it flourishes with a current-day gaze. The best of both worlds collide here, and Brown Horse shows nothing but their strengths on All the Right Weaknesses.