THE PICTUREBOOKS Imaginary Horse
Riding Easy Records
Using the DIY make it yourself aesthetic of Seasick Steve, and the sonic headspace of Led Zeppelin the Picturebooks offer something completely new to the world in Imaginary Horse. The duo of singer-guitarist Claus Grabke and drummer Philipp Mirtschink, write all of the songs, make all of the instruments and show no concession to what has gone before.
Guitars were rescued from the walls of pawn shops, and augmented with bells and drums, whilst the drummer used mallets instead of sticks on some of the songs, such as the opening title track. Your Kisses Burn Like Fire is one of those hard hitting, slide guitar screaming songs that would come to life in front of an audience, whilst PCH Diamond puts storytelling prowess to the fore, behind shimmering slide guitar and controlled percussion. After a while, the lack of other instruments no longer becomes a novelty, for the songs are so well structured that the addition of a bass or second guitar would only clog up and muddy the sound that these two ground-breaking musicians make.
So, it is not really blues, it is certainly not Jazz, and there are moments of atonal boom and thrust, but it is not really rock, but whatever it is, it is very good, very well put together, and is worthwhile an open minded music fan checking out.
The duo are on tour in May, and should be seen, if you are not of a nervous disposition.
BEN MACNAIR
