Riverhead [Import]

Goldenhorse | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 17, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• ASIN: B000JGWCUG
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #864,847 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Riverheading up, February 21, 2007

By 

E. A Solinas "ea_solinas" (MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Riverhead (Audio CD)

New Zealand hasn't really gotten its due when it comes to pop music -- great bands like the Clean, the Bats and the Chills (and the recent Datsuns) have gotten respect, but not nearly enough listeners.

One of the best new bands from New Zealand is Goldenhorse. "Riverhead," their enchanting debut, is suspended somewhere between the Sugarcubes and the Sundays, with its mix of quirky rock and enchanting pop.

It opens with "Northern Lights," which opens with a tame little acoustic guitar line. When Kristin Morelle starts singing "lalalalala!", it sounds like this is going to be another generic indiepop number. But by halfway through the second stanza, the killer drumming and catchy guitar have kicked in in full.

They veer to other musical styles, such as country-flecked pop in "Maybe Tomorrow," some acoust-edged funk, ska, and smooth ballads. In the title song, there's even a hint of industrial-gothic darkness, punctuated by a heartbeat-like drum. "I wanted to tell you that I was dead/My hands were cold and my lips were bled/when I was in Riverhead..." intones the ghostly male vocals.

Okay, their moods swing from dismal to sunny -- a lot of bands do that on their debut album, as they try to find a sound that fits them. Goldenhorse actually do far better than most do, in that they can manage perky pop as well as dark material. It's a bit art-rock, a bit pop, a bit rock'n'roll, and this gifted band manages it all well.

Despite having a bassist and two jangly guitarists, you don't notice those instruments too much -- they blend in well, except for the faint buzzes and odd riff. Joel Wilton's drumming is a lot more prominent, ranging from rapid-fire and catchy to tribal beats. Laced with the odd electronic swoosh and keyboard, the sound is enchantingly layered and textured.

But then again, many a good band has been wrecked by a bad vocalist who couldn't measure up to the musical skills. This isn't one of those bands, fortunately. Morelle's voice is a lovely one, reminiscent of Harriet Wheeler or Hope Sandoval. In some of the darker songs, she ditches the ethereality in favor of an eerie mocking sound.

Goldenhorse's debut, "Riverhead," is a crazy quilt collection of mood-swinging songs. Fortunately, that doesn't keep it from being a bloody good album.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Riverhead" is golden, March 13, 2005

By 

E. A Solinas "ea_solinas" (MD USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Riverhead (Audio CD)

New Zealand is all over the place now -- movies like "Lord of the Rings," tourism, and possibly music too. At least, if bands like Goldenhorse get their due. "Riverhead," their enchanting debut, is suspended somewhere between the Sugarcubes and the Sundays, with its mix of quirky rock and enchanting pop.

It opens with "Northern Lights," which opens with a tame little acoustic guitar line. When Kristin Morelle starts singing "lalalalala!", it sounds like this is going to be another generic indiepop number. But by halfway through the second stanza, the killer drumming and catchy guitar have kicked in in full.

They veer to other musical styles, such as country-flecked pop in "Maybe Tomorrow," some acoust-edged funk, ska, and smooth ballads. In the title song, there's even a hint of industrial-gothic darkness, punctuated by a heartbeat-like drum. "I wanted to tell you that I was dead/My hands were cold and my lips were bled/when I was in Riverhead..." intones the ghostly male vocals.

Okay, their moods swing from dismal to sunny -- a lot of bands do that on their debut album, as they try to find a sound that fits them. Goldenhorse actually do far better than most do, in that they can manage perky pop as well as dark material. It's a bit art-rock, a bit pop, a bit rock'n'roll, and this gifted band manages it all well.

Despite having a bassist and two jangly guitarists, you don't notice those instruments too much -- they blend in well, except for the faint buzzes and odd riff. Joel Wilton's drumming is a lot more prominent, ranging from rapid-fire and catchy to tribal beats. Laced with the odd electronic swoosh and keyboard, the sound is enchantingly layered and textured.

But then again, many a good band has been wrecked by a bad vocalist. This isn't one of those bands, fortunately. Morelle's voice is a lovely one, reminiscent of Harriet Wheeler or Hope Sandoval. In some of the darker songs, she ditches the ethereality in favor of an eerie mocking sound.

Goldenhorse's debut, "Riverhead," is a crazy quilt collection of mood-swinging songs. Fortunately, that doesn't keep it from being a bloody good album.

5.0 out of 5 stars Enchants the ears! Why have we hardly heard of them?, August 22, 2005

By 

Tupahc (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Riverhead (Audio CD)

If it were not for a friend of mine from New Zealand, I would'nt have heard of Goldenhorse. I am no expert, but I can tell a good band from a remarkable one. Goldenhorse certainly falls into the second category. They are truly a gem that has not been appreciated to its full merit. The album "Riverhead" is AMAZING!! Instead of one or two songs that stick out, at least three quarters of the tracks on this album are memorable. With slow and fast-paced songs, haunting vocals, and genuine melodies that are both cheerful and melancholic, "Riverhead" rises above everyday pop albums. Furthermore, the instrumental side of the music is impressive, ranging from driving rock to gentle pop effortlessly. I strongly reccomend this CD!!! It's the kind of music that makes you long for the end of the workday, so that you can go listen to it!