Allow us to introduce you to Faster Horses, a two-piece band from New York incorporating elements of country, folk, and alternative music. The duo consists of longtime friends Kate Ellen Dean and Steve Sopchak. Debut track “Somebody’s Second” serves as a preview to the forthcoming full-length album entitled Letting Go, a collection of songs that explores Dean’s experience of moving on and healing from the end of a “muddy and difficult” romantic encounter. The record has been in the works since 2014 when Dean and Sopchak first began collaborating after an initial demo was exchanged, with many tweaks occurring throughout the years. As 2021 came to a close, Faster Horses finally gave listeners a glimpse into their ongoing project.
Self-described as part of the “break-up country” genre, “Somebody’s Second” finds the singer intimately grappling with the heartbreak surrounding the fact that her significant other treats her as a backup plan. Ultimately deciding that she deserves better, Dean states that she is “settling if good enough is better than goodbye” and just wants to be “more than somebody’s second in line.” The lyrics are highly relatable to anyone who has ever been in an unhealthy relationship, whether it be through infidelity or choosing one’s vices over their lover. The lyrics “I wish I could see you without seeing through you every time” hit home for those who have been guilty of excusing the worst they eventually begin to see in their partner, thus experiencing the whole “love is blind” scenario. The gentle acoustic guitar melody blends well with a backdrop of country twang as both members of Faster Horses harmonize together. The vocals compliment each other well, and I found them to be reminiscent of other male/female duos such as Angus & Julia Stone and The Weepies despite their country roots.
Letting Go is slated to be released later this year, and you can stay connected with the band via their website and socials below.
