Once a week The Wheel's Still In Spin highlights a band from the Greater Cincinnati area. Whether you prefer Skyline or Gold Star, you will agree that this band is "Better Than The Chili." For the next few weeks, the Cincinnati bands that will be performing at SXSW will be highlighted.
Download “Whiskey Won, Fall Down” (mp3)
Download “Bedlight” (mp3)
Performing at SXSW: Wed 12 Mar 2008 at Spiro’s
The Chocolate Horse started as a three-piece side project from the Cincinnati band Readymaid with Jason Snell on guitar and lead vocals, Paul Brumm on upright bass, and Andrew Higley on french horn and bowed saw. Shortly after recording their debut album this past year, two more members were added to the band, Johnny Rusza on flute and Joe Klug on drums and percussion.
Snell’s vocals are neither strained nor offhanded. They are emotional and full of realistic intricacies. The unique and diverse instrumentation allows the band to sound deceptively complex, even in a live setting. There is a steady foundation of guitar, upright bass, and percussion. On top of that french horn and flute are subtly added to the occasional theremin-esque sound of the quivering and bowed saw. The combination creates a sound that is haunting and lucid, experimental and accessible.
The Chocolate Horse released their first full-length album, Patience Works!, in 2007 on vinyl, but usually included a free CD version with the purchase. That album gave the band Cincinnati Entertainment Award nominations for Album Of The Year and Best Alternative/Indie Band.
With The Chocolate Horse performing at SXSW this year, the band is looking ahead to an even better 2008.
After the jump, watch a video of The Chocolate Horse from the Gypsy Hut.
A brief interview with The Chocolate Horse's Jason Snell and a live performance of “Stronger Than You” from the Gypsy Hut, Cincinnati, OH:
Buy the vinyl release of Patience Works! from Shake It Records.
www.thechocolatehorse.com
www.myspace.com/chocolatehorse
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