Haunting alternative rock with synth and piano.

7 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Modern Rock, ROCK: Progressive Rock



Details:
dramatic, carefully orchestrated, catchy-as-hell songs â¦
They craft a big, powerful sound that stops just short of total cacophony.
Kurt B. Reighley, the Stranger, Dec 15 - Dec 21, 2005

combining the big beat of current emotional rock with the sweep of majestic 80s art-pop
Chris Estey, www.threeimaginarygirls.com, Jan 6, 2006

makes you stop, pick up the case and figure out who this band is thatâs making this explosive, intense and incredible music coming out of your speakers. One of the better up and coming bands in Seattleâ¦
DJ John Richards, from John in the morning show on KEXP

Spook the Horse has recently emerged in the Seattle music scene as one of the must see live bands of the year. All five membersâGrant Burton (lead vocals, guitar), Brian Pake (guitar, vocals), Brian Mura (keys), Matt Ralston (bass), and Brian Papenfuss (drums)âhave been collaborating and experimenting with sound since they met in Bellingham, WA during their high school days. Having played in various bands together for over ten years, they formed Spook the Horse in the summer of 2003.

Growing up during the decline of grunge, band members witnessed early performances from such bands as Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, Unwound, Lync, and Hush Harbor. These experiences left lasting and critical impressions evident in the sound they create. Even in the beginning Spook the Horse's music was drastically different from what was going on in Seattle at the time, combining the straightforwardness of pop rock with the haunting sounds of more cinematic, macabre bands.

Each member of this musically gifted quintet contributes to the song writing process, and brings a unique set of influences and personalities to the mix. Layered guitar swells, vintage keyboard sounds, subtle bass cues and aggressive percussion serve as a lush backdrop for Burtonâs baritone vocals and passionate lyrics. After a few demos and many stage appearances the band released their eponymous debut EP on December 20, 2005. With an in-studio live performance at KEXP on DJ John Richards' "John in the morning show," and a successful CD release party, the press and fans began to take note.

Recently selected as one of five winners of the Red Hook Breweryâs 2006 Emerging Artist award, Spook the horse has played with such bands as Kelly Stoltz, The Rosebuds, The Elected, Cobra High, The New Mexicans, Verona, and Aqueduct. New songs are currently being debuted at live shows in anticipation of a new EP scheduled for release late in 2006.

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