“Southern North Carolina” alt-country act Hymns got their break when guitarist Jason Roberts toured as lead guitarist for Ben Kweller (QRO photos), and Kweller bandmate John Kent signed the band to his own Texas imprint, Blackland. Along with singer Brian Harding and their own back-ups, the group has released two full-lengths, 2005’s Brother/Sister and last year’s Travel In Herds, earning attention and opening slots along the way (not to mention moving to New York, like so many other bands…). Their down-home saloon-country has always gone over well, but the band decided to stretch a bit on their new EP, Appaloosa. Somewhat out of the band’s wheelhouse, and not as fine as their LPs, the release is still a worthy effort.
EPs are a nice way for a band to try out something new, and Harding & Roberts bring a higher, less rockin’ sound to Appaloosa. That starts with the slight echo-haunt in the twang of opener “Black Boots”, before going peppier on “Wedding Day”. The alt-country-choral of “Call Me Honey” is reminiscent of The Beatles (or, more recent & particularly, “Hummingbird” by Wilco – QRO live review), but doesn’t add anything to that, and neither does the more harpsichord-y “Ten Bells”, though it does have a nice rhythm.
There’s nothing wrong with Hymns’ stretch on Appaloosa, but then the closing, title track reminds you how fun the band can be, with some funky, down-home party (including a guest spot from the horn player of Beck – QRO album review). If this was your introduction to Hymns, you’d want more of “Appaloosa”, which you can find on their prior work. If you’re already a fan, the EP doesn’t quite Travel in the same Herds, but is a worthwhile addition.
