Posse's story is a heartening one. In an era when ambition is served by snowballing tools for self-promotion and where infiltrating algorithms and playlists has become the endgame, the Seattle indie-rock three-piece are less a novelty than a shining example of quiet rebellion; or, they were.
Horse Blanket is to be the band's final album, and given the caliber of the six songs held within, it's a great shame.
Throughout
Posse's seven-year existence Paul Wittman-Todd, Sacha Maxim, and Jon Salzman all held down day jobs, for which they cared deeply. But they have also maintained a measured tenacity when it came to the band and the music they created together in their spare time. Their 2012 debut Self Titled was an assured collection of concise, taut indie-pop/rock; the more expansive and curious Soft Opening was a special record in isolation, but also hinted at enticing possible futures for the group.
Horse Blanket sees the band develop further, as they continue to shed the limitations of pop and rock's anticipated structures and time restrictions.
Posse's sound balances the wistfully iridescent with flashes of rock's swagger. The opener, "Dream Sequence," is indeed dreamy, and "Shiver" emits a Zen-like acceptance to the resigned "I'm not sure I can deliver." Conversely, the bass-led groove of "Keep Me Awake" gives it an understated strut further supported by a gnarly guitar solo; a plethora of micro-details makes this seemingly lean composition consistently mesmerizing. The epic title track is a deeply satisfying exploration of groove and shimmering guitar melodies that gradually veers off onto a highly distorted path. It takes its own sweet time and reaches its conclusion in an unconventional manner, which feels like a euphemism for the band.
The brow-beaten sweetness of "Stupid Thing" is possibly the most
Yo La Tengo moment on the record, and they are the band with whom
Posse are most readily compared to. Whilst there's little doubt they are a major influence beyond the girl/boy vocal relays, over a small discography
Posse have shaped their own unique sound, all of which makes
Horse Blanket finality a bittersweet listen. Rather brilliantly, the record is at once wholly rewarding, and yet infuriatingly also teases further triumphs that might have been. But then it's perhaps best not to ponder untold futures and enjoy
Posse's last record for what it is… a joy. ~ Bekki Bemrose