Review: “A Horse Apiece” by Yellow Jack

Yellow Jack is bringing classical folk music to the modern music scene, with covers of beloved folk songs as well as original tunes that stay true to the sound of traditional folk. 

The band’s debut album, A Horse Apiece, reminds us that folk music truly is timeless by flawlessly blending new ideas with classic songs. The fiddles, harmonica, and twangy vocals remind me of old-time campfire songs and make me want to get up and dance like it’s 1909. 

Track Review

A Horse Apiece focuses heavily on the unique qualities of the Buffalo area, with songs like “Buffalo Gals” and “The Er-i-e Was Risin’” that speak to the beauty of Western New York. The Appalachian Mountains mostly cross through the eastern part of the state, but I could still imagine this album as the soundtrack to a trek across the Appalachian Trail. 

One of the original songs on the album is called “Won’t You Pray.” I was impressed by its mature handling of the complexities of religion — or, in this case, a lack thereof. The narrator of this song hopes to be prayed for, despite being an atheist and a scientist, conveying the widespread shame felt by non-religious people in the past. However, I can also see this song relating to the religious ideals that are alive today, such as when people give their “thoughts and prayers” in response to tough situations like mass shootings and unemployment during a deadly pandemic. 

Out of the whole album, there was only one song I didn’t enjoy as much as the rest of them, and that was “Wayfaring Stranger.” For this song, the lead singer, Dennis Reed, was replaced by Lainie Reid. I wasn’t a fan of the tone of her voice. It was harder to understand the lyrics of this song, and that took away from the experience, especially because many of these songs are supposed to tell stories through their lyrics. 

That being said, not all of the songs even have lyrics. “Whiskey Before Breakfast / Red-Haired Boy” is only instrumental, but it’s still an enjoyable tune that fits in well with the album. It may take a more trained ear to find the story hidden within each instrument, but that doesn’t make it any less engaging or fun to listen to.

Overview

This album was an immersive and fun listen, and I would recommend it even to those who don’t think they like folk music. The stories told through each song are interesting, and the music itself is well-produced and bright.

A Horse Apiece is a great way to relate to another time in American history without dealing with the monotony of a history book. And the old-timey vibes of the music don’t change the themes of the songs, many of which are applicable to today’s world. 

If there’s anything Yellow Jack’s debut album has taught me, it’s that folk music is for everyone, young or old. There is something for everyone to enjoy about folk music, whether it’s the upbeat and danceable songs, the beautiful stories, or the complex harmonies.