Fools & Horses

Fools and Horses

"I Am the Ghost"



Have you seen the advertisements (a.k.a. chalk-written ads of up-coming shows) around campus for Fools and Horses? This outstanding local band has established themselves in the Baltimore scene and beyond over the last few years precisely through grassroots methods such as this: constant shows and building connections with fans, in addition to the release of three albums. Fools also won the Starbucks' "Off the Clock" CD competition in 2007 and are featured on a Starbucks compilation disc. Their latest album, "I Am the Ghost," is another (hopeful) step toward stardom for these local rock n' roll studs.

"I Am the Ghost" was celebrated in September at their CD release show hosted at the Recher Theatre. It's a straightforward, melodic hard rock record and each song is of high quality. It's not particularly heavy or especially soft, and it doesn't stray too much from traditional song structure, but it accomplishes what Fools intended: it's fun and it rocks. Though it does not quite encompass the musical diversity of their preceding album, "Pop Filter," this is a very strong collection of tracks and does not disappoint.

Every song on "Ghost" could be singled out and individually praised. The opening track, "Anna Was the Enemy," is upbeat and starts the album off on a fun, rockin' vibe. The middle of the album features the heavier material, with "Redwings" sounding like something that didn't make it onto the latest Foo Fighters record. The two songs on the album that feature a more noticeably distinct sound are "Selfish" and "I Am the Ghost." "Selfish" combines a bumpin' bass line with a chanting chorus for a cool groove, while the title track, also the final song on the record, is simply singer Matt Hutchison and backing guitar. It is a chilling break-up tale with poetic lyrics.

If you dig the melodic alternative rock sound, or if you have any interest in supporting the local music scene, "I Am the Ghost" from Fools and Horses is definitely worth a listen. It likely cannot be obtained in most stores, so check out a concert (they put on a hell of a show) or visit their website to grab a copy:

www.foolsandhorses.net.

Key Tracks: "Selfish," "Redwings," "Finally Out of My Mind"

-Joshua Craddock - Towson Towerlight

“I Am the Ghost” by Fools & Horses

Just one listen to "I Am the Ghost" by the Baltimore based Fools & Horses and you will quickly see what all the buzz surrounding this band is about. Their sound is a highly original blend of classic and modern rock that is polished and radio-ready. The entire album is characterized by strong lead vocals and energetic guitar riffs, coupled with powerful drumming and solid bass lines. The production is raw and simplistic, giving the music a distinct sharpness and edge. The songs are well-written and performed with an enthusiasm and spirit that shines through on each track. "Anna Was the Enemy" is a strong opener, displaying their hard-rocking sound and captivating hooks. "Wide Eyed Wonder" and "Finally Out of My Mind" are also exemplify Fools & Horses' moving lead vocals, spirited guitar work and gifted songwriting. Tracks such as the groove oriented "Selfish" and the acoustic "Maybe I Could" provide depth and variety to the album, showcasing the band's creativity and versatility. "I Am the Ghost" is well worth a listen if you enjoy classic or modern rock, and will have you singing along in no time.

-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Fools & Horses 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

- Radio Indy.com

by Brian Holsey October 13

For a band that has yet to transcend provincial fame and achieve widespread national recognition, the most recent album by Fools & Horses, "I Am The Ghost," exudes so much musicality and craftsmanship that one is forced to wonder what it is that could possibly be delaying the group's seemingly inevitable transition into national notoriety.



An incredibly solid album, Ghost is packed with songs that will fight to get stuck inside your head. Although vaguely reminiscent of the works of singer/songwriter Matt Nathanson, there is an important distinction to be made between the two in terms of the tone and tempo of their respective compositions. While Nathanson tends to remain on the somber side of the musical spectrum, Fools & Horses are dangerously inclined toward the catchy and the upbeat.



The album's title track, "I Am The Ghost" – the slowest and most melancholy of the bunch – could easily be mistaken for a Nathanson track, however, as it features a haunting vocal melody that is driven by lyrical imagery of nostalgia and loss. Likewise, "Calling You Out" is a heartfelt expression of longing and hurt that begs to be sang along with.



But the group shines far brighter, and is clearly more in their element when operating in the medium of the highly-energized rock tracks that comprise the majority of the album. The song "Selfish," could easily be interpreted as a subtle tribute to the hard-edged, slightly minimalist sound popularized by the White Stripes, with its thumping bass line and powerful vocals. "Concessions of the Cheated" has less crunch to it, and brings to mind the works of groups with definitively more "pop" than "edge" (somewhere in the neighborhood of The Strokes or Phantom Planet, perhaps?).



In spite of these likenesses to other artists though, Fools & Horses have definitely begun developing a musical style that is all their own; one which is surely capable of being embraced on more than just a local scale. Guitarist and vocalist for the group Steve Herrera was forced to chuckle when he acknowledged that "I Am The Ghost" does contain an abundance of disgruntled love songs on it, and feared that this could potentially serve to portray the band as some sort of "He-Man Woman-Haters Club." But the persistently lighthearted, and sometimes dare I say "cheeky" qualities present in the band's songwriting – even in songs as directly anti-feminine as "Anna Was The Enemy" – will, in the end, most likely save the group from any such negative classification.



Ultimately, "I Am The Ghost" is a fantastic album by one of Baltimore's most talented local groups. It is readily available for download online through several trustworthy vendors, including iTunes. After playing multiple shows in New Jersey and Washington DC, Fools & Horses will return to Baltimore to play a New Year's Eve show at the Downtown Hilton on December 31st. But in the meantime, if you live around Baltimore and appreciate up-tempo alternative rock, then this album is certainly a must-have addition to your musical library. - Baltimore Examiner

I Am The Ghost is a catchy, feel-good disc that will get you from opener, “Anna Was The Enemy.” The songwriting is fun and creative and covers a wide range of styles. There are remnants of U2, The Beatles, Nickelback, No Doubt and The Rolling Stones, without their being compared to any of the above. Matt Hutchison (vocals/guitar/keys) has a unique voice whether he’s crooning on the heart-felt title track or hitting multiple ranges on the dizzy “Calling You Out.” Steve Herrera (guitar/vocals), Kent Warren (bass/vocals) and Tim Hutchison (drums/vocals) provide just the right touch and some great harmony. Other standouts include the jazzy “Confessions Of The Cheated,” the gritty “Redwings” and jive-laden “Selfish.” Fools & Horses reaches deep and gives you plenty to absorb with I Am The Ghost.
(Travis Tutwiler) - Harder Beat

"Independent rock is at a kind of crossroads lately. There are bands that continue to push the envelope and find new ways to create sound and arrange songs, and then there are bands that are content to sit and idly reproduce structures and sounds that have been done over and over, run into the ground. Fools & Horses fit into the former category. The band relies on creative songwriting and even more creative sonic usage of instruments to create some of the most memorable indie rock of the year so far...The classic elements of rock are all to be found on Pop Filter, but there are plenty of components that transcend modernism and lean towards what might just be the next big thing in indie rock and all with honest credibility and aural blissfulness. A great combination."
- Hybridmagazine.com