Last Charge of the Light Horse - The Sand Reckoner

Last Charge of the Light Horse

The Sand Reckoner 
​self-released; 2020

4.0 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

All the way back in 2004 Last Charge of the Light Horse was formed by Jean-Paul Vest. Sixteen years later and the band is still together and released a new album entitled The Sand Reckoner. The band mentions ,“The album is named after the book of the same title by Archimedes, wherein he attempted to calculate the number of grains of sand required to fill the known universe.”

The album contains eleven songs all which are under the umbrella of rock but are very much an amalgamation of styles and influence. There is a good amount of experimentation which pays off making for an exciting listen that presents a number of twists and turns.

The first song is entitled “Just Once” which is a percussive heavy song with a jagged and slightly dissonant guitar. I loved the opening groove and as it progressed I could hear the Eastern influence in the song. It works well which makes the song hard to define.

The sort of atmospheric and emotive “Choose Now” was a killer song. I loved the textures, tones and dynamics of this song. The funky yet off-kilter “Chocolate and Cherries” was a good one and even throws in some blues guitar into the mix. 

The arguable highlight is “Midnight Parking Light” which reminded me of Radiohead if they were a little more worldly. There is this fast percussion that’s happening which is juxtaposed against the melancholy guitar and brass which sounds absolutely fantastic.

There is more Eastern influence on the exceptional “The Bill Comes Due” and I thought the more nostalgic, intimate and contemplative “Balanced on the Edge” was powerful. The mood stays similar to the closer “April Morning” which has sweeping strings.

​This is a great album. I haven’t heard their previous release but this is the sound of experienced musicians on top of their game.

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