Brown Horse – ‘Total Dive’ album review: Yes, the UK can do Americana too
There are plenty of bands whose prolific output is often thought of as being something of an oversaturation, and who would benefit from taking longer breaks to ensure that only the best of their work makes it to record. Three albums in, and it seems that Norwich alt-country outfit Brown Horse aren’t one of those bands.
The Skinny: The East Anglian foursome may not have much time under their belt as a band, but this is far from a hindrance considering how effortless their ability to pump out anthemic Americana-inspired material seems to be. Debut album Reservoir was rapidly followed up with the even more triumphant All The Right Weaknesses, and Total Dive arrives with even less breathing room having been applied. The results, however, demonstrate a continued upward trajectory, and rather than hitting a brick wall for inspiration, the record has a greater sense of self-assuredness.
However, in a move that is perhaps reflective of shifts in society, Total Dive adopts a more downbeat and solemn tone than its predecessors, sluggishly drifting through its ten tracks while wearing a world-weary expression – there’s a greater sense of fear and uncertainty in vocalist Patrick Turner’s delivery, and while there are moments of buoyant hope that comfort us by suggesting that everything will eventually be alright in this confusing landscape, the band are no longer afraid to tackle the darkness that looms alongside this.
The quiet moments of reflection are often punctuated by the soft counter-melodies of Emma Tovell’s lap steel guitar, yet the moments where frustrations are exorcised all come out in scratchy guitar work or exuberant walls of organ and accordion, with the whole band and their additional studio players going for maximalist bursts of energy as a means of expressing themselves to the fullest.
There was always an underlying sense of Neil Young worship on the band’s earlier records, but this is amplified on Total Dive, along with nods to other acts that toe the line between slacker rock and Americana, with the likes of Jason Molina and Built to Spill playing clear roles in dictating the sonic elements. It’s not necessarily a greater diversification of sounds, but a far more confident understanding of how to use all of the components they have at their disposal.
While Brown Horse could still improve with an even more honed focus on world-building and exploring more varied themes and styles over the course of a single record, it’s evident that they’re demonstrating that they have the scope and ability to take different approaches in the future and fine-tune the foundational elements they’ve laid down on this rapid-fire trio of albums.
Standout track: ‘Hares’
The Verdict: Some moments on Total Dive could do with a touch more daring and desire to show off the band’s different aspects, but for the most part, it’s another solid advertisement for how Brown Horse could so easily stake their claim to becoming the UK’s most dominant force in alt-country and Americana within the next few years.
Release Date: April 10th, 2026 | Producer: Owen Turner | Label: Loose Music
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