Horse Feathers - Cynic's New Year (2012)

Horse Feathers - Cynic's New Year (2012)

1. A Heart Arcane (2:48)
2. Last Waltz (3:57)
3. Pacific Bray (2:49)
4. So Long (3:45)
5. Where I'll Be (3:12)
6. Nearly Old Friends (4:15)
7. Fit Against the Country (3:29)
8. Better Company (4:37)
9. Bird on a Leash (3:12)
10. Fire to Fields (4:03)
11. Elegy for Quitters (1:44)
12. Summer for Capricorns (3:13)



An indie folk quintet from Portland, Oregon, Cynic's New Year is Horse Feathers' fourth studio album. Though the music contains a variety of instruments, it remains mellow and controlled throughout. Lead vocalist Justin Ringle's soft and somber voice accompanies the sound nicely, and is very easy to slip into without even knowing what exactly he's saying. Ringle started the band around 2004, and since its inception, has featured a rotating cast of supporting musicians. Currently, the other band members include Nathan Crockett, Dustin Dybvig, Lauren Vidal and Angie Kuzma.

Horse Feathers circa 2010

The incorporation of string instruments like the cello, violin and banjo will appeal to those who enjoy other folk musicians like Mumford and Sons or Trampled by Turtles, but Horse Feathers has their own unique sound. The whole album has a very autumnal feel to it, and will present a very soothing listen during any and all circumstances.

Favorite tracks: It's always enjoyable when the first two tracks on an album blow you away, and "A Heart Arcane" and "Last Waltz" do just that. They don't even give you a chance to dislike the record, and they give you a sense of what their music is all about. "The Last Waltz" opens with a riveting violin solo that is so perfect it's almost bone-chilling to listen to. Additionally, "So Long" is easily the catchiest song on the album as a result of a well-constructed hook.