HOMESHAKE’s Stunning and Poignant ‘Horsie’
Peter Sagar, the creative force behind HOMESHAKE, continues to explore the nuances of his experiences and the sounds he wants to create with his latest album, “Horsie.” Hallucinatory and poignant, Sagar’s music remains a unique expression of his diverse influences, creating a textural and immersive soundscape that is entirely his own.
After leaving his hometown of Edmonton in 2012, Sagar sought a fresh start in Montreal, where he began integrating his childhood jazz influences with the experimental indie rock he had grown to love. This fusion marked the beginning of HOMESHAKE, a project that has since evolved into a distinctive voice within the indie music scene. Check out “Nothing 2 See” below:
Following the release of “CD Wallet” in March, “Horsie” is HOMESHAKE’s second album of 2024. Written and recorded in Sagar’s home studio in Toronto, the album delves into his complex feelings about returning to live performance, examining themes of loneliness and anxiety in the context of touring.
The title track transports listeners to the American highway, capturing the fleeting memories of past concerts in a dreamlike haze. “Dinner Plate” portrays intimate late-night conversations with a lover, as the couple attempts to bridge the physical distance through text messages and shared images. Tracks like “On A Roll” and “Smiling” convey the frustrations of confined spaces, with feelings of anxiety giving way to irritability and resentment.
“Nothing 2 See,” the album’s lead single, features Sagar navigating through crowds at his shows while longing for solitude. The accompanying music video, directed by Jim Larson, sets this mood within a small cult in a Palm Springs mansion, depicting Sagar’s mental unraveling as he attempts to entertain the guests.
This narrative continues in a trilogy of videos for the singles “Simple” and “Empty Lot.” In “Simple,” Sagar’s transformation escalates as he steals a car in a panic, pursued by a mysterious figure on a Harley Davidson. The saga concludes with “Empty Lot,” where Sagar, now entirely changed, wanders into the desert and encounters an endlessly stretched limousine.
“Horsie” is a profound exploration of Sagar’s internal world, blending his musical influences into a cohesive and compelling journey. The album not only showcases HOMESHAKE’s signature sound but also reveals Sagar’s evolving relationship with his art and the complexities of performing live.
