One Sided Horse (OSH) is singer-songwriter Mark Whiteside who you may already know under his alter ego ‘Side’ the singer and drummer in the band Evil Blizzard.
He has already released a raft of tracks and a critically acclaimed, fantastic debut album ‘Between Light & Space’ back in December 2018 and now is set to release his second album ‘My Favourite City At Night In The Rain’
One Sided Horse is far removed from Mark's persona in Evil Blizzard, where his music sees psychedelic and experimental rock characterised by its heavy, distorted sound which incorporates elements of punk, noise rock, and post-punk into their music.
OSH on the other hand, sees him perform atmospheric and introspective songs that often incorporate elements of acoustic, electronic and ambient styles. Here we have the beauty as opposed to his Evil Blizzard beast.
My Favourite City At Night In The Rain, is a captivating and introspective journey through 12 tracks of atmospheric soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics.  Here we have a collection of songs that are very personal to this musician, yet I found myself on my own personal emotional journey as the songs  resonated with my own life experiences.
Side 1, kicks off proceedings with a delightful piano intro on the title track, "My Favourite City At Night In The Rain," a song that sets the tone for the immersive experience that is to follow. Â
"The Overload of missing you" is up next, a song that sees a delicate blend of acoustic and electronic instrumentation to create a dreamlike atmosphere, while Mark's emotive vocals draw you into a realm of introspection and exploration this track also sees him playing Trumpet that is reminiscent of the Noir-esque songs that Barry Adamson (A hero of mine) of Magazine fame has done. For me, this is the standout track on this album so much so that I think it is, quite simply - a masterpiece!
Throughout the album, OSH showcases an ability to craft evocative melodies and poetic lyrics. Tracks like "Find The Time" and "Uneven Land" transport listeners through songs about strained and broken relationships. There's a real sadness in some of these songs but ones that leave you with hope.
The introspective nature of the album shines through in songs like "A Short Story From A Living Room In Philadelphia"Â and "Passing Years." These tracks delve into themes of longing, self-reflection, and the human desire for connection. Mark's poignant songwriting and heartfelt delivery invite listeners to contemplate their own experiences and emotions.
The production on "My Favourite City At Night In The Rain" is impressive, allowing each instrument to shine and creating a rich sonic tapestry. From delicate piano chords to subtle acoustic guitar parts and gutsy brass atmospheric textures, the album showcases a meticulous attention to detail.
One Sided Horse's ability to create a balance between atmospheric grandeur and intimate vulnerability is a standout feature of the album. The ethereal soundscapes and introspective lyrics come together to create a captivating listening experience that draws you in from start to finish.
Side 2, kicks off with a 6 string acoustic "I Won't Ask For More" and the lovely, sweet "let's Start Fires" a song that has some fabulous chord changes and a wonderful backing vocal from Carol Hodge who some of you may have spotted performing with Steve Ignorant and Crass, and who is a tremendous singer and songwriter in her own right.
"Flightless," "Like Swans" and I Can't Live Without Your Love" are songs that lead you through that theme of love and angst that will be very familiar to you if you have listened to the first OSH album "Between Light & Space".
As we head into the final track "Close Swim" I must mention the wonderful musicianship on this album as Mark brings in Mickey Dale who also produced the album, along with Steve Firth, and Mike Heaton (From Embrace) Phil Hartley (Space), Norm Helm and Gareth Cole who along with Carol Hodge provide their own distinctive styles with contributions that is simply sublime.
In conclusion, One Sided Horse's "My Favourite City At Night In The Rain" is an album that invites listeners on a journey of self-reflection and sonic exploration. Mark Whitesides songwriting, combined with the atmospheric instrumentation and storytelling, creates a rich and emotive soundscape that lingers long after the last note fades away. It is a record that rewards attentive listening and resonates on a deep, introspective level.
This is a terrific album of songs that is best served within a set of headphones, late at night with a glass of something relaxing in hand.
My Favourite City At Night In The Rain presale is 04.08.23 via Butterfly Effect Records.
Track List:
- My Favourite City At Night In The Rain
- The Overload Of Missing
- Find The Time
- Uneven Land
- A Short Story From A Living Room In Philadelphia
- Passing Years
- I Won’t Ask For More
- Let’s Start Fires
- Flightless
- Like Swans
- I Can’t Live Without Your Love
- Close Swim
For more One Sided Horse check out:
bandcamp - https://onesidedhorse.bandcamp.com/album/between-light-space
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onesidedhorse