I know that I am not the only one who is in a constant search for songs that seamlessly blend into the different categories of the day. Meant to match the various moods and phases we encounter as we go about our daily lives, these songs add texture and life into the monotony of routine. Gentle and grey morning sounds give way to the more upbeat songs that pull us the through the afternoon slump, dark and introspective ones give color and depth to our 3 a.m. thoughts, and the drumming strength of percussion-heavy songs pull us through both our daily commutes and aimless drives.
It’s in this category of driving songs (well, the kinds I like to drive to at least) that Samhain’s newest track “Let the Horses Run” fits into so well. Heavily driven by layered guitar and a consistent thrumming of percussion, there is an overall feel of passionate urgency to get somewhere. With such a full and comprehensive sound, it is one of those tracks that does not rely simply on lyrics to tell the story. The instrumentals have a tale of their own to tell, characterized by the ebb and flow of instrumental highs and lows.
That’s not to say that the lyrics do not add depth or cannot hold their own though, as they most certainly do. “Let the horses run / Let the horses run into the guard that shot them down / Down into your chest / Where you laid to rest”. Samhain’s vocals are uniquely earnest, his tone echoing the urgent passion that is reflected in the instrumentals. His delivery is intense and full of fervor, painting a vivid picture of each line being bitten off and thrown away as it passes by.
Toeing the line between obscure and overly-transparent, there is room for interpretation in the lyrics that is only aided by Samhain’s passionate delivery. If the overarching meaning is not immediately discernible from the lyrics, the tone of message is portrayed in his impassioned vocals. “Half of my life running/ Half of my life running /Half of my life running / Half of all my loving / Half of all my loving / Half of all my loving / Half of all my loving / Half of all my”. This final chorus takes the initial sense of urgency found from the very first note and multiplies it by 10; repetition adding to this feeling of time running out and an urgency to reach a destination.
Full of vigor and might, “Let The Horses Run” certainly holds its own source of power. Whether you are looking to add to that ever-growing driving playlist like me or are simply looking for a unique new artist to discover, Samhain is worthy of a listen.