Fear in Bliss

Relocating from Texas to Oklahoma City accomplished the things the members of Horse Thief had hoped for. They graduated from the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma and were subsequently signed with The Flaming Lips’ management and the British label Bella Union, who sent them to Los Angeles to work with producer Thom Monahan (Pernice Brothers, Devendra Banhart). Monahan’s largely known for his neutrality, capturing the moments without pushing a particular agenda. This naturalistic approach means the acoustic-based “Already Dead” is the sound of frontman Cameron Neal performing in a room (with added harmonies), while the larger-sounding tunes reflect Horse Thief’s love of Fleet Foxes, Real Estate, and even Grizzly Bear. “Let Go,” “Little Dust,” and “Warm Regards” illustrate the various sides of rustic but psychedelic pop played with earthiness and spaciness, in songs wrapped in anxiety with hopes for personal peace and happiness. These are signs of a young band coming into focus.