Swallowtail and the Kaleidoscope - Electric Horse

​Swallowtail and the Kaleidoscope

Electric Horse
​self-released; 2023

By Matt Jensen

Swallowtail and the Kaleidoscope, the brainchild of Matt Armbrust and Emele Clothier, emerged in 2021 through a serendipitous connection. Clothier, known for her role in the acclaimed Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band, sought a bassist for her 75th birthday show and reached out to Armbrust, a globally recognized composer and classical violinist. Their initial interaction, sparked by Armbrust's query about compensation, led to an immediate musical partnership that blossomed into frequent live performances. Their collaborative synergy culminated in the creation of Electric Horse, an album defying categorization and embracing the label of "indiecana." 

Clothier contributed songs steeped in her five-decade solo career, channeling influences from revered artists like Buck Owens and Joni Mitchell. Meanwhile, Armbrust weaved his musical tapestry by introducing pieces from his repertoire and crafting new tracks inspired by an eclectic mix, spanning from Fugazi to Peter Gabriel and even J.S. Bach. The album's allure lies in its ability to straddle the realms of timeless nostalgia and contemporary innovation. 

Opening with "Tailspin," the record immediately captivates with its psychedelic and warm tones, showcasing Clothier's vocals. "Horse Of Cards" introduces Armbrust on vocals, steering the listener into a realm that melds rock sensibilities with echoes of Johnny Cash. "Let’s Take a Walk" encapsulates poignant melancholy, driven primarily by vocals and piano, exuding an ineffable sense of familiarity and timelessness. In contrast, "Clouds Pass By" embraces a carefree aura, its full-bodied orchestration embellished with subtle wood flute melodies. Highlights abound as the album unfolds; "Bird of the Winter" stands out with its finely tuned recording and mid-energy, evoking the ambiance of a late-night dive bar. 

As the track list progresses, each composition maintains a high caliber: "Rains" evokes a cinematic 1950s ambiance, while "Electric Wave" infuses a ragtime-esque, jazzy flair. The album's tranquil closer, "Between Peter and Pan," reminiscent of Sufjan Stevens, encapsulates a serene stillness that rounds off the journey. 

​Though some tracks exhibit slightly superior mixing, the album, on the whole, delivers a consistently enjoyable experience from start to finish, offering a tapestry of great songs that traverse an eclectic musical landscape.

reverbnation.com/swallowtailandthekaleidoscope

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