Gus Englehorn
The Hornbook
Secret City Records [2025]
“Gus Englehorn rewrites the indie rock playbook with The Hornbook—a genre-blurring, storytelling triumph.”
Album Overview: Gus Englehorn’s path to music is as unconventional as his sound. A former professional snowboarder, Englehorn transitioned to songwriting, channeling his vivid imagination and unique experiences into his art. Raised in Alaska and having lived in Utah, Québec, Portland, and Hawaii, his nomadic lifestyle informs his boundary-pushing approach to music. Alongside his wife and creative collaborator, Estée Preda, he has crafted a world where whimsical storytelling meets eerie undertones. His debut, Death & Transfiguration, and his Headphone Approved follow-up, Dungeon Master, quickly established him as a bold new voice in indie music. The Hornbook, his third album, is a genre-spanning adventure that blends nostalgic influences with a modern, otherworldly edge. Co-produced by Mark Lawson (Arcade Fire, Timber Timbre) and mixed by Paul Leary (Butthole Surfers), the record reimagines rock’s past while leaping into experimental territory. Themes of folklore, mysticism, and existential wonder course through the album, making it both an homage to classic rock and a daring step forward.
Musical Style: Englehorn’s music draws from a kaleidoscope of rock eras, weaving together ’50s charm, ’60s grit, ’70s flamboyance, and the indie inventiveness of later decades. His compositions thrive on contrast, pairing driving guitar lines with raw vocal delivery and unexpected instrumental flourishes. On The Hornbook, he delivers his fullest sound yet—indie rock gold.
Evolution of Sound: While his earlier work leaned heavily into themes of isolation and eccentricity, The Hornbook feels more expansive. It builds upon the foundation of Dungeon Master but ventures into more intricate storytelling and ambitious song structures. The record signals a refinement of his approach, featuring bigger production and even more memorable hooks.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of Nick Cave’s narrative-driven songwriting or early Beck’s experimental leanings will find much to love in Englehorn’s work. There’s an off-kilter spirit reminiscent of Daniel Johnston, while his fusion of indie rock, garage, folk, and lo-fi elements echoes the sounds of Deerhoof, Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers, Arcade Fire, and Cindy Lee.
Pivotal Tracks:“One Eyed Jack Pt. I and Pt. II (The Interrogation/The Otherside)” serves as both the album’s opener and centerpiece, blending dramatic storytelling with hypnotic rhythms. It twists through Englehorn’s signature weirdness before landing on a superbly melodic finish, instantly pulling listeners into his world. The closer, “One Eyed Jack Pt. III (The Epilogue),” ties the narrative together, showcasing his knack for building tension and resolution. “Thyme,” the album’s catchiest single, is a perfect entry point, with layered production and a chorus that sticks. The booming “Metal Detector” is brash and wild, reminiscent of Dungeon Master’s most unhinged moments. Meanwhile, “Roderick of the Vale,” a soaring five-minute ballad featuring Estée Preda’s backing vocals, channels an Arcade Fire-like groove and showcases Gus’s actual vocal range with surprising depth.
Lyrical Strength: Englehorn’s lyrics blend surreal imagery with introspective musings, painting vivid scenes that linger in the listener’s mind. His writing has a cinematic quality, often exploring mythology and existential themes through inventive metaphors and a touch of dark humor. The result is a body of work that rewards deep engagement and sparks the imagination.
Final Groove: The Hornbook is Englehorn’s most ambitious and fully realized album yet. It balances eccentricity with accessibility, drawing listeners into a world where classic rock traditions collide with experimental flourishes. Whether through its intricate storytelling, genre-blurring sound, or unshakable melodies, this record leaves a lasting impression. As Englehorn continues to evolve, one thing is certain—his next move will be just as unexpected as the journey so far.
GUS ENGLEHORN REVIEW HISTORY
Dungeon Master (2022)
GUS ENGLEHORN LINKS
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Secret City Records
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