Horace X

Strategy (Phantom, 2005)

This six-piece band from Cambridge, UK, have been on the scene since 1993. In that time they've not exactly been prolific with the releases but have more than made up for this by touring widely and perfecting their live show. Now, with Strategy, a fine set of reggae-riven tunes featuring horns, 5-string fiddle, ragga-style vocals and driving bass & drums, they're set to move into the mainstream and grab the larger audience they clearly deserve.

The album opens with a typically powerful tune, 'First Love', Simon X's exuberant toasting style riding a strident and catchy R&B-meets-reggae beat, extolling the virtues and rueing the pitfalls of those primeval stirrings. The tune serves to introduce all of the main elements of the band and feels very much like the song the band kicks off the live set with - forceful horns and skidding, skittering violin stretching the speakers to their limit. The album goes on in two main veins - the funky & irresistibly danceable tunes such as 'She want', 'Strategy' & 'A time for Valerie' dominating, punctuated with occasional thoughtful, funny, chilled sounds, highlighting the electronics side of the band and making good use of Hazel X's fab five-string and some hilarious samples.

Live, the band add to their appeal with stunning UV clothing and stage effects. They've toured widely, including appearances at clubs & festivals across Canada, Europe & the UK. With the right kind of exposure and a good touring schedule these guys could be big.

[Buy Strategy].