Hunter As a Horse: New Single & Atmospheric Dark Pop Sound
Hunter As a Horse, the project spearheaded by Mia van Wyk, has released a new single, “Here’s To All The Ones,” on , via Metropolis Records. This release follows “Lighthouse,” which debuted on , marking a continuing collaboration with the label.
Van Wyk describes “Here’s To All The Ones” as being “about letting go without bitterness, the kind that actually feels freeing, a deliberate moment of closure that makes space to move forward lighter.” The song delves into reflections on past relationships – romantic, familial, or platonic – approaching them with appreciation rather than regret, acknowledging their reality without clinging to them. This thematic focus suggests a continuation of the introspective lyrical style that has become a hallmark of Hunter As a Horse’s work.
Hunter As a Horse began in the early 2010s as a duo based in London, comprised of van Wyk and producer Paul Gala. The project has since evolved, becoming increasingly centered around van Wyk’s songwriting and vision. The duo spent time relocating from London to Berlin and then undertaking a year-long period of isolation in rural Italy, dedicated to writing and developing their material. Their initial substantial release was the digital EP “The Two Magics Vol.1” in , released through Valley Of Fire Recordings. This EP showcased a blend of synth-driven storytelling and indietronica, featuring tracks like “The Passenger,” “Dead Stars,” and “The Abyss.”
The project’s sound has been described as a fusion of dark pop, indie, electronic, and alternative elements. Critics often draw comparisons to artists like Lamb and Zero 7, highlighting the atmospheric and cinematic quality of the music. This sonic landscape is characterized by intense, melancholic lyrics combined with detailed, dark production.
Beyond single releases, Hunter As a Horse’s music has found placement in various media, including the trailer for the film ‘Wander Darkly’ starring Sienna Miller and Diego Luna, and two tracks featured in the Netflix series ELITE. The project has also seen success with a sold-out NFT drop with Opulous, demonstrating an engagement with emerging technologies in the music industry.
“Here’s To All The Ones” builds upon the foundation laid by “Lighthouse,” maintaining the project’s signature sound while introducing a subtly more hopeful tone. While previous work often explored darker and more mystical themes, the new single, despite its inherent melancholy, feels more grounded and focused on inner peace. The production remains meticulously crafted and cinematic, but it doesn’t overshadow van Wyk’s intimate vocals.
The track combines shimmering indie-electronic elements with the project’s established melancholic atmosphere. Van Wyk’s songwriting continues to explore themes of letting go, but with a focus on acceptance and moving forward. The song’s lyrical content suggests a deliberate attempt to find closure and create space for new experiences.
Hunter As a Horse’s trajectory demonstrates a consistent artistic vision and a willingness to explore different avenues for reaching an audience. From early EPs to placements in popular media and experimentation with NFTs, the project has consistently adapted while maintaining its core identity. The signing with Metropolis Records, and the subsequent releases of “Lighthouse” and “Here’s To All The Ones,” represent a significant step in the project’s evolution, potentially broadening its reach and solidifying its position within the electronic and alternative music scenes.
“Here’s To All The Ones” is currently available via Bandcamp and streaming services. The single is a testament to Mia van Wyk’s continued exploration of emotional landscapes through sound, offering a nuanced and atmospheric experience for listeners.