St Leonard’s Horses- Good Luck Everybody (XtraMile Recordings)

Genre: Alt Rock/Folk Rock/Country Rock

Xtra Mile Recordings have upped the anti this autumn with nine albums coming out over the next three months and this masterpiece from St Leonard’s Horses is just another chip off the old block.

With a delicate balance between alt rock and folk, this album has an addictive, singalong feel throughout. From the catchy chorus of Long John Silver ‘Now I’m singing Hotel California…. I’m talking to Johnny Walker’ to the the percussion-led Rise Up – Good Luck Everyone is a vocal heavy album that excites from beginning to end.

While this truly is a captivating album, the back story is such a rock and roll cliché, it almost sounds made up. Over the last few years, Kieran Leonard has hidden himself away in typical songwriter retreats such as the Holloywood Hills, Mojave Desert, a cabin in Nashville and a gothic church in the Yorkshire Moors – Sounds more like a high profile third/fourth/fifth album, doesn’t it!

After spending years compiling these incredible tunes, the live band then went out on the road with Ryan Adams, Father John Misty, Bob Dylan, The Strokes, Beck, The Libertines, Billy Bragg and Wolfmother. Not a bad touring education, eh?

With so much time spent playing these songs in front of large audiences, St Leonard’s Horses has developed a real sense of authority, as he mixes effortless vocals with understated piano and rhythm guitar throughout this album. Tracks A Muse and a Goddess Of Rock and Roll, make for a powerful songs statement.

The album’s standout tracks are two of the more upbeat numbers: The Strangelove Hotel Suite, which mixes soft vocals and cleverly crafted lyrics with excellent wordplay, and the album’s first single, 1969 Revisited, which takes in classic rock-style electric guitar and big, roaring vocals that really add to the variety of this album.

Good Luck Everybody is a truly excellent album that has be honed down to the finest of details, and one that you need to get your paws on this autumn. The band hit the road this month for a UK tour, and this is one act you do not want to miss out on.

RUSHONROCK RATED: 9/10 Rise Up!