Pale Horse Rider
Cory Hanson · 2021
38 min · 10 tracks
A blend of introspective folk and experimental rock, weaving haunting melodies with intricate lyrical storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Pale Horse Rider — The title track encapsulates the album's existential themes through vivid imagery and contemplative lyrics, offering a poignant reflection on life and mortality.
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Another Story From the Center of the Earth — This lengthy closer takes listeners on an expansive journey, merging narrative complexity with musical evolution, highlighting Hanson’s storytelling prowess.
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Vegas Knights — In under three minutes, this track delivers sharp observational lyrics about fleeting moments in Las Vegas life, blending humor and melancholy seamlessly.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyrical storytelling and intricate arrangements, solidifying Hanson's solo identity.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow build, layering instrumentation gradually over the first three tracks before introducing more complex arrangements.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that shift in dynamics, allowing for moments of tension and release.
- Lyrical storytelling is prominent, with each song presenting a distinct narrative arc that often intertwines personal and abstract themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective late-night reflections
- haunting atmospheric soundscapes
- gradual builds and payoffs
- immersive storytelling journeys
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time of releasing Pale Horse Rider in 2021, Cory Hanson had already established himself as a prominent figure in the indie rock scene, particularly known for his work with the band Wand. This album marked his first solo effort after the critically acclaimed album Laughing Matter in 2019, showcasing a deeper exploration of personal themes and refined soundscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kevin Morby· Faye Webster· Sufjan Stevens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Paper Fog 4:29
- 2 Angeles 5:01
- 3 Pale Horse Rider 4:05
- 4 Necklace 1:47
- 5 Bird of Paradise 3:26
- 6 Limited Hangout 3:30
- 7 Vegas Knights 2:18
- 8 Surface to Air 1:10
- 9 Another Story From the Center of the Earth 7:53
- 10 Pigs 5:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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