Recent trends show a surge of indie bands incorporating "horse" into their names, reflecting a unique blend of styles and inspirations.
Indie rock has a fascinating habit of cycling through naming trends every few years. After a phase defined by animal monikers such as wolves and deer in the 2000s and early 2010s, the genre is now experiencing a surge of bands using "horse" in their titles. This trend seems to resonate with the ongoing popularity of country music, the rise of cowboy aesthetics, and perhaps a nostalgia for simpler, more pastoral themes.
While equine-inspired names aren’t entirely new — think Crazy Horse or Band Of Horses — there’s a fresh collection of newer acts making waves. This article showcases some of the most notable "horse" bands currently making their mark in the indie scene. If you're a Stereogum reader, many of these should ring a bell from our curated lists of emerging artists. Get ready to explore a range of sounds, from alt-country to experimental rock.
Brown Horse
CITY: Norwich, UK
BIO: Originating from Norwich, Brown Horse channels the heartwarming essence of American alt-country. Their debut single “Willow,” released in 2023, hints at the charm of their impending album Total Dive, full of catchy, lightly twangy hooks.
RIYL: Songs: Ohia, MJ Lenderman, pedal steel vibes.
NOTABLE RELEASE: Total Dive is scheduled for release on 4/10 via Loose Music.
horsegiirL
CITY: Berlin, DE
BIO: horsegiirL, a Berlin-based DJ, describes herself as “half-horse, half-human,” entering the indie scene with her single “My Barn, My Rules” in 2023. She blends hyperpop with Eurodance, carving her space in the club scene.
RIYL: Shygirl, early PC Music, playful beats.
NOTABLE RELEASE: “an apple a day” is available now via RCA.
Horsegirl
CITY: Brooklyn, NY
BIO: Founded by high school friends in Chicago, Horsegirl merges the vibes of ‘90s slacker rock with early post-punk. Their 2022 debut, Versions Of Modern Performance, showcases this blend, with a follow-up album Phonetics On And On coming in 2025.
RIYL: The Raincoats, the Breeders, indie sensibilities.
NOTABLE RELEASE: Phonetics On And On is out now via Matador.
Horse Lords
CITY: Baltimore, MD
BIO: Formed in 2010, Horse Lords are known for their ambitious instrumental rock that appeals to music theory enthusiasts. Their works draw on influences from Krautrock to Afrobeat, resulting in intricate guitar-led compositions that challenge conventional genre boundaries.
RIYL: Bill Orcutt, Glenn Branca, experimental sounds.
NOTABLE RELEASE: Demand To Be Taken To Heaven Alive! is set for 6/12 via RNVG Intl.
Feeble Little Horse
CITY: Pittsburgh, PA
BIO: Heavily influenced by Alex G, Feeble Little Horse merges catchy noise pop with chaotic energy. Their unique melodies and wry lyrics create a sound that feels delightfully unrestrained.
RIYL: Sonic Youth, Hotline TNT, indie chaos.
NOTABLE RELEASE: Girl With Fish is out now via Saddle Creek.
Horse Jumper Of Love
CITY: Boston, MA
BIO: Retaining strong ties to ‘90s slowcore, Horse Jumper Of Love balances volume and tempo while exploring heavy themes. Lead vocalist Dimitri Giannopoulos offers an engaging blend of dreamlike and real-life narratives.
RIYL: Duster, Bedhead, introspective songwriting.
NOTABLE RELEASE: Disaster Trick is available now via Run For Cover.
Prize Horse
CITY: Minneapolis, MN
BIO: Prize Horse delivers a dense, sludgy sound that characterizes modern shoegaze. This trio’s music combines heaviness with accessibility, creating a compelling sonic experience.
RIYL: Greet Death, Have A Nice Life, indie shoegaze.
NOTABLE RELEASE: Under Sound is available now via New Morality Zine.
Bonny Light Horseman
CITY: Various
BIO: Established in 2019 at the Eaux Claires Festival, Bonny Light Horseman features Anaïs Mitchell, Eric D. Johnson, and Josh Kaufman, all respected musicians. Their music leans towards rootsy ballads that can flourish in folk traditions but remains distinct.
RIYL: Hiss Golden Messenger, Fruit Bats, folk narratives.
NOTABLE RELEASE: Keep Me On Your Mind/See You Free is now available via Jagjaguwar.
Wunderhorse
CITY: Dublin, IE
BIO: Jacob Slater of Wunderhorse gained visibility as Paul Cook in Danny Boyle's Biopic Pistol, but his music doesn't reflect punk's edge. Instead, it features universally appealing guitar anthems favored by pop audiences.
RIYL: Sam Fender, Fontaines D.C., mainstream indie.
NOTABLE RELEASE: Midas is out now via Communion.
As this list showcases, the "horse" nomenclature isn’t just a trend; it reflects a diverse range of sounds and styles that indie rock continues to embrace. The evolution brings a mix of nostalgic and contemporary influences that make these acts well worth keeping an ear on.
Honorable mention...
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