Wooden Horse
Album: You're In My Heart
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 4
Website: http://www.woodenhorsemusic.co.uk

October was a busy one for Wooden Horse with a number of dates, including a support slot with Joan Armatrading, November looks like it's going to be busier with the duo out and about in the Midlands. The bad news is that they aren't going further afield, the good news is that there's a new EP, both for those that can make the dates and those that can't.

Jamie Knight and Ben Church, aka Wooden Horse have been impressing with their stripped back and raw Americana. Harmonies and guitars form the core of the sound, though the whole thing is driven by one heck of a stomp box.

Similarly the guitar work is shared between conventional six strings, Weissenborn and National, which means that the four tracks on the "You're In My Heart" EP really do get a sense of a band that really likes to explore their sound.

"Lonesome River" imparticular goes a long way towards explaining why Wooden Horse are becoming invited to play more and more radio slots, there is real edge to the song, but crucially it's really sharp and that really gives it an impact.

The thing I like about the duo is the level of thought that goes into their songs, they don't always pick out the obvious as "He Was A Friend Of Mine" shows. Bands like Wooden Horse are very easy to recommend, "You're In My Heart" is a great EP for fans and as an introduction alike.

Neil King