Horse Noodles – Horse Noodles

Mr. Ed’s Got Skills

Alright, we all know that old childhood adage: “Never judge a book by its cover.” School told us so, our mommas told us so, hell, even “Full House” told us so. But being the judgmental jerk that I am, I’ve been putting off listening to the new Horse Noodles record for a plethora of reasons. First, the name: Horse Noodles? Then again, the man behind the moniker is named Horace Noonkowics so I’m not sure which one sounds better (or worse). Second, the cover art: It’s basically Mr. Ed’s head superimposed on a black and white checkered background. And finally, my experience with the last album I reviewed off the Lunatic Works label (see Tha Fruitbat).Blame it on my low expectations, but Horse Noodles’ eponymous debut isn’t half bad. I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting, but the album’s mix of danceable percussion, house, trip-hop, and acid-jazz had me refraining from hitting the “stop” button. The first three tracks are sophisticated, yet chaotic, jazzy ditties chill at one moment, exploding with horns the next (especially “Special Agent Noodles Reporting for Duty”). A groovy house tune complete with a “put your hands up in the air” loop, “Disco Elegante” lives up to its name. “Have a Cigar” is an eerily playful song reminiscent of Wagon Christ’s (aka Luke Vibert) Tally Ho. Midway through the album however, the record’s intensity and jazziness lets up. It’s not bad, it’s just not what hooked you at the beginning. If you consider the first 6 tracks the “party,” then call the next 7 “the drive home.” Nonetheless, Horse Noodles is a fair, if not solid, release.