Review | media puzzle – New Racehorse

By Matt Wellham

Label: Impressed

media puzzle, the solo recording project of Northern Rivers-based artist and musician Tom Peter, are back with their fourth album, ‘New Racehorse’. 

Taking their name from a 2002 Melbourne Cup-winning Irish racehorse, media puzzle’s ‘New Racehorse’ takes on themes of modern existence: technology, love, death, responsibility, and ego. 

Signifying a rebirth for the band, the record is a focus on experimentation and building outwards from their trademark sonically distorted sound, bringing eccentric samples and dynamic pace.

Lead single ‘Knowledge’ sets the tone for the record. Short, sharp and oozing in lo-fi scuzzy sounds. A catchy riff drives the track, while call and response vocals and a soaring trumpet combine in melodies that have me hooked. 

‘New Pet’ and ‘Out Of The Rain’ introduce those eccentric samples, with pitched dog barks and news reports playing out over sharp guitar melodies, before ‘I Don’t Care!’, which is a ferocious 59s sprint to the finish line. 

‘More Horses, Less Code’ the second single from the album, is an absurd take on our reliance on modern technology. It’s a fun, sleazy track that’s easy to lay back and soak up. The lyrics and samples reference some of the tech found down at the horse track. There’s even morse code played, spelling out “HORSESHOES”. Clever. 

‘Tea Time’ boasts a thundering bassline and itchy guitars as singer Tom Peter narrates a story of an approaching boat harbouring a menacing sailor. It’s obscure and very media puzzle.

‘My Age, In Minutes And Seconds’ and ‘Don’t Know You’ raise the tempos once again for another anxiety inducing race. These build into ‘See You There’, which highlights the best of media puzzle.

Stabby guitars drive the track, while a wash of garage punk drums rage on underneath. Peter’s Australian accent bleeds through as he screams the vocals, being responded to by an equine-related sample. Every layer is a little rough around the edges, but in a manner that works perfectly in unison.    

‘Equine End of Life’ is a suitable following before ‘Dead Dog!’ roars into life. The hazy, swirling guitars let loose as Peter’s vocals echo in the fuzzy mix. The track ends with a satisfying release of tension that would have even the poshest race track attendees getting stuck into the mosh. 

‘Outro’ closes out the record with a gentle palette cleanser of soft guitar melodies over white noise. In comparison to the rest of the album it’s relaxing, giving the audience a chance to breathe and settle down after the race has finished. 

With ‘New Racehorse’, media puzzle have taken their scuzzy punk sound, and elevated it with further experimentation and a deeper dive into obscure samples. This results in media puzzle’s most cohesive project to date. It’s wacky, heart-racing and has me down the bookies going all in on media puzzle.

Fans of early Beck, Getdown Services or Drunk Mums, get stuck into ‘New Racehorse‘, you won’t be disappointed.