Meta Description: Discover “Horsie” by Homeshake, the ideal lo-fi album for summer wine bars. Explore its tracks and see why it’s perfect for creating a vibey atmosphere.
Homeshake’s “Horsie”: The Perfect Soundtrack for Summer Wine Bars
The wine bars of East London are about to go crazy over this album. They’re going to buy it on vinyl, display it next to their bottles, and take a photo for Instagram: “Now spinning: Horsie. The new one from Homeshake sounds so good with a chilled glass in the sun.”
They won’t be wrong. “Horsie” will sound incredibly good in the sunshine, playing off a speaker as friends sit around and chat. It’s the perfect album for a vibey background to some sweet summer day. But really, that’s a polite way to say it’s essentially glorified background music.
The Atmosphere of “Horsie”
If lo-fi or bedroom pop music is meant to create a kind of atmosphere or simply paint the background a nicer shade, then “Horsie” does that beautifully. The guitars are stunning, weaving between bigger moments into seductive slow-jam grooves. The drums are just loud enough to deliver a clear and hooky groove to take listeners through the record. Homeshake’s voice feels tailor-made for this kind of music, being sweet and pleasingly inoffensive.
However, the mix is a tepid one. As he sings over his interesting and dynamic instrumentals, his hushing voice somehow pushes it into background music. The lyrics aren’t strong enough or impactful enough to grab any attention. The words seem to merge and disappear, making it a perfect album to talk over.
Standout Tracks on “Horsie”
‘Ravioli’
The album begins with the incredibly strong track ‘Ravioli’. It feels like the most realized and thorough song on the album. The instrumental has a clear Tame Impala edge that breaks out of the small-scale bedroom sound into something more captivating, while Homeshake’s vocals dance over the top. [4/5]
‘Simple’
‘Simple’ is another major standout. Immediately, the track has a Lynchian quality with a suspenseful, moody synth drone and then bigger rock guitars that keep you engaged. It’s cinematic on a bigger scale and feels like a sign of what Homeshake could have achieved if he’d elevated the rest of the record to that level. [4/5]
The Intended Purpose of “Horsie”
Does Homeshake want listeners to sit down, shut up, and pay attention to every little detail? Or maybe “Horsie” succeeds at being exactly what it’s intended to be: a great soundtrack for beautiful memories, whether that be with friends, in the intimacy of bedrooms, or played out in a natural wine bar that promises strong vibes and turns to Homeshake to deliver them.
For fans of a pet-nat, a chilled red, or a skin-contact chenin blanc, “Horsie” is the perfect album. It’s not about grabbing your attention with every track but about creating a consistent, enjoyable atmosphere.
Track-by-Track Review
‘Ravioli’
A twinkling start with a synthy bass adds a Tame Impala edge. Homeshake’s vocals play around the most interesting instrumental on the album. Short but sweet. [4/5]
‘Horsie’
Enjoyable guitars with a solid beat, but at four minutes long, it doesn’t go very far, dropping into background noise territory. [3/5]
‘Dinner Plate’
Switching up the energy while remaining cohesive, this song shines in its final moments when the guitar takes over. [3/5]
‘Blunt Talk’
A hazy, heavier track with big drums and vocal effects. A necessary dose of difference that benefits the record. [3/5]
‘On A Roll’
Gentle guitars and soft vocals make for a nice track, but it’s better when the music speaks alone. [2.5/5]
‘Smiling’
Homeshake’s lyrics become almost distracting and uninteresting, often feeling in the way. [2.5/5]
‘Nothing 2 See’
Catchier lyrical hook and bigger drums make this track more engaging. [3/5]
‘Simple’
Lynchian and glorious with a suspenseful synth note and moody vocals. The album’s crowning jewel. [4/5]
‘Easier Now’
Zoning out results in missing this song, which blends into the next without much fanfare. [2.5/5]
‘Believe’
A nice enough number but not one of the strongest. Requires active listening. [2.5/5]
‘Empty Lot’
Hookier guitar and engaging drums, but still feels like it could have been elevated further. [2.5/5]
‘Ice Tea’
Ends the album with more of the same, lacking a bigger, cinematic sound. [2.5/5]
