Jesusfreakhideout.com: Neon Horse, "Habit of Creature

Neon Horse
Habit of Creature - EP

Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Rock / Alternative
Album length: 4 tracks: 14 minutes, 44 seconds
Street Date: October 31, 2024

READER RATING: HabitofCreatureEP

� / 5.0 (0 votes)

In the '00s, Tooth & Nail Records put out two albums from one of the strangest artists to ever grace the label: Neon Horse. The band was led by Norman Horse, the alter ego of Stavesacre/The Crucified vocalist, Mark Salomon, and the music was provided by The Band, an uncredited line-up of Starflyer 59's Jason Martin and Project 86's Steven Dail. The band had been defunct since after 2009's Haunted Horse: Songs of Love, Defiance, and Delusion. But we're in a time when no defunct band is safe from a reunion. And thanks to Velvet Blue Music and Jeff Cloud's magic hat, Neon Horse is back for another round.

Habit of Creature is only a 4-song EP, but it's classic Neon Horse and it packs a punch. They came out swinging for the fences right off the bat with "Haskell Moon." The song is a real rocker and, quite honestly, one of the best tracks to the band's name. Norman Horse sounds as good as ever (though I would've preferred less of the echoing vocal effect that permeates the whole EP), and the music also has some sinister-sounding undertones that make this a tried and true Neon Horse recording. "Nuttin' There" keeps the pace going, but things slow down a bit for "Moana Lisa." The song is led by some fantastic, bluesy guitar riffs, while Norman leans into his spookier, more mysterious side. Safe to say, this is a highlight of the EP and could end up being a fan favorite -- though the same could be said for the closer. "I Know That It Can Be Confusing (When It's All Your Fault)" is not only a great song title, but the song itself perfectly follows "Moana Lisa" with more glorious guitars and big melodies that will get stuck in one's head. I especially love the introduction of some quiet saxophone during the spoken word bridge near the end. What a great combination.

I know it sounds cliche, but by the time the short EP comes to an end, it's satisfying, but it also leaves me wanting more. Habit of Creature is a lovely return for Neon Horse, and I just hope that it's only the beginning. Velvet Blue has already sold out of vinyl, and only has a few CDs left (as of writing this). If you're a fan of the band (or Salomon, Dail, or Martin), you won't regret picking one up.

- Review date: 10/25/24, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com

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JFH Staff's Second Opinion

After blazing onto the scene in 2007 with their self-titled debut, followed closely by the follow-up Haunted Horse: Songs of Love, Defiance & Delusion, Neon Horse sadly disappeared. At best, the same talent behind the mystery band returned with what might be termed a �spin-off� with White Lighter, but that venture only lasted one record. Now, 15 years after their last official album, Neon Horse is back with Habit of Creature. This four-song EP features songs dealing with the dirty side of life, in particular, it seems, with the messy side of relationships or friendships that have gone sour. This is on par for the band and hearkens strongly back to their debut album. The music also sounds more in line with that first record, though the mix is a little bit muddier this time.

While that muddiness helps add to the EP�s aura, the vocals are often lost in the mix to a frustrating degree. If I didn�t have lyrics to consult, I probably wouldn�t have guessed half of what �Norman Horse� was singing. That�s the main criticism. A lesser one is it would have been nice to get more than four songs. That said, Neon Horse lets these tunes breathe, with the closer �I Know That It Can Be Confusing (When It�s All Your Fault)� clocking in at over 5 minutes. Is it the smashing return of Neon Horse that fans have been hoping for? I wouldn�t call Habit of Creature smashing, but it is satisfying. It�s good to hear these boys back in action. Here�s to hoping they have some more tunes in the tank.

- Review date: 10/30/24, John Underdown of Jesusfreakhideout.com

JFH Staff's Second Opinion

No part of me was expecting new music from Neon Horse in 2024, but I'm very glad we got it. Mark Salomon's vocals and Jason Martin's guitars have never sounded better to me. Neon Horse is certainly a bit niche, but their new EP, Habit of Creature, is truly fantastic. The rocking "Haskell Moon" and the vintage feel of "Nuttin' There" are great starts, but the terrific riff of "Moana Lisa," and the undeniable groove of "I Know That It Can Be Confusing (When It's All Your Fault)," are even better closers. These are four phenomenal tracks from a band we haven't seen in 15 years. My biggest complaint? This is only a 4-track EP instead of a full-length album loaded with songs this good!

- Review date: 11/22/24, Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com

Record Label: Velvet Blue Music
Album length: 4 tracks: 14 minutes, 44 seconds
Street Date: October 31, 2024
Buy It: Bandcamp
Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

Haskell Moon (2:37)
Nuttin' There (3:00)
Moana Lisa (3:51)
I Know That It Can Be Confusing (When It's All Your Fault) (5:18)