Fusing together a myriad of styles can be an arduous task for a band, but often (and in this case) one worth attempting. Combining the energetic rock ‘n’ roll infused punk of the Bronx, the jagged guitar lines of Future Of The Left, the best bits of 90s Seattle rock, and even slotting in a pop harmony or two – Pulled Apart By Horses have explored quite the terrain on their sophomore effort Tough Love.
Sonically moving from sped up rock riffs to more angular interpretations throughout the album, opener V.E.N.O.M is a good example of utilising both the aforementioned to deliver a solid aural attack that is still layered. The stoner rock break down makes the return to the punchy shout back chorus all the more satisfying and V.E.N.O.M is successful in starting the album with a bang.
Wolfhand features a bass line that could easily lurk in a Fugazi song and the heavy echo and reverb on the chorus make for an interesting contrast to the caustic vocal shred present in the verse. The gang vocals in Shake Off The Curse bring the party vibe and the up-beat good times continue with Epic Myth, which backs off on the spazzy riff attack and just drives along. The track sees singer Tom Hudson and bass player Robert Lee screaming and singing respectively to deliver a dance-punk-rock ‘n’ roll beast that boasts some mighty pop sensibilities.
If the Hives decided to turn up the gain it might sound a little like Some Mothers, skip back a few decades on Give Me A Reason and you can hear the likes of Mudhoney in the grunge inspired rock track. Degeneration Game owns a chorus that recalls Nirvana’s Aneurysm off their 1992 Incesticide compilation, but while the comparisons flow readily, Pulled Apart By Horses only tip their hats to past rock greats rather than carelessly plagiarizing.
Tough Love contains a turbulent energy; structured chaos abounds but melody and rhythm are abundant. It’s well written and well executed and sees Pulled Apart By Horses resolutely fighting for their place at the top of the rock heap.
BY KRYSTAL MAYNARD
Best Track: Wolfhand
If You Like This You’ll Like These: FUTURE OF THE LEFT, DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979, LES SAVY FAV, MCLUSKY, THE BRONX
In A Word: Blazing
