Horace Whisper & the Empty Hand (from the album Cowboy 100

Horace Whisper & the Empty Hand (from the album Cowboy 100

Horace Whisper & the Empty Hand (from the album Cowboy 100 available as a self-release) (by Douglas DuPont)
 
Gather ‘round yon tin of baked beans being heated barehanded over campfire, for it is time to get hip to Pennsylvanian D.I.Y. Alt Country/Americana outfit Horace Whisper & the Empty Hand. Their first offering comes in the form of a spirited, mission statement of an extended-player, Cowboy 100. 
 
Opener “The Cowboy” sets the tone with a tale of a contemporary cowboy going about his business, but with the boom-chicka-boom pulse of the tune we can’t help but feel that something sinister is afoot, and “The Cowboy” is, in fact, either running from or chasing after something greater than themself. We’re instantly floored by Jarrett Krause’s saxophone operating in tandem with Kirby Jayes cool vocal drawl, bleeding reverence for Country singers of yore. Once Alec Ebeling’s drumming and Tosh Chambers’ upright bass join the party, it’s apparent that you’re in good hands for the duration of this tender EP. Chris Beaulieu lends a mean banjo to these songs, and Derrick Beattie provides the requisite pedal steel. 
 
Second track “Play the Dead” reflects on the bohemian experience of taking music on the road. What at once sounds almost grisly and harrowing is remembered through rose-colored glasses. This is exposition and character development achieved through gothic writing. The song details a life-milestone being reached when one finally starts to appreciate the Grateful Dead, and even knows which songs they’d want a cover band to play.
 
Tertiary cut “Giant Eagle Jackie” is a beautifully subversive love song that still sounds snug in the country canon. Horace Whisper & the Empty Hand’s special blend of countrified Alt Rock is well-equipped for waltzy penultimate song “Hold Me Up”.
 
The closing number is a cover of Weird Daryl & the Dusty Winds’ “I Found the Lord in Horses”, tying a bow on this excellent debut outing from Horace Whisper & the Empty Hand. According to a press release, ‘the horse is a metaphor for the human soul’. This checks out given that vulnerable songwriting makes the best of alt-country and americana so tenacious. 

Cowboy 100 is recommended for enjoyers of Wednesday, Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, Johnny Cash, Drive-By Truckers, and Wilco.  (by Douglas DuPont)
 
Listen and buy the music of Horace Whisper & the Empty Hand from Bandcamp
 
 
For more information, please visit the Horace Whisper & the Empty Hand website