Horse Feathers to Reissue “Words Are Dead” Album for 20th Anniversary, Includes Tour
wo decades after its initial release, Horse Feathers intends to unveil a reissue of its premiere album, “Words Are Dead,” on August 28th through Kill Rock Stars. As the album has long been unavailable, it is receiving a complete remastering treatment and will be available on an exclusive colored vinyl presented in a foil-stamped casing. The reissue will also include a replicated version of the original six-song demo CD, originally only attainable at their live performances.
In hindsight, the band’s genesis as a duo is often overlooked, along with the fact that the phrase ‘indie folk’ was not yet commonplace during their early days (as noted by Ringle). Following Justin Ringle’s time fronting rock bands in Idaho, he relocated to Portland in 2004 and transitioned to acoustic music, performing at open mic nights under the Horse Feathers moniker. Multi-instrumentalist Peter Broderick, well-known in musical circles, came across a few of Ringle’s demo tracks and extended a helping hand to expand upon them. In February of 2006, Ringle and Broderick headed to the Miracle Lake studios owned by Skyler Norwood to record “Words Are Dead,” with the album being initially released by Portland’s Lucky Madison label in September of that same year. Cello player Heather Broderick joined shortly after, and the subsequent years saw a revolving group of musicians coalescing around Ringle’s vocals and guitar.
The reissued album kicks off with the demo track “Finch on Saturday,” the band’s inaugural recorded work. Ringle reminisces about this piece, describing it as a symbol of Horse Feathers’ early days, embodying earnestness and being an economically arranged acoustic track conceived during a Portland summer. He expresses that their music at this time felt subtly rebellious, with a gentle sound contrasting the prevalent bombastic indie rock of the era, and ‘indie folk’ was an unfamiliar genre to them at the time.
Following the release of “Words Are Dead,” Horse Feathers’ subsequent albums such as “House With No Home,” “Thistled Spring,” and “Cynic’s New Year” structured their discography around evolution rather than radical change. These albums introduced a broader sonic palette while maintaining the distinctive restraint that defined their musical identity. By the time “Appreciation” was released, their sound had expanded into warmer, richer arrangements. Ringle remained the unwavering creative force, crafting songs that prioritized emotional depth over grandeur. Revisiting their debut now underscores how their commitment to space and tone continues to shape their music.
To commemorate the reissue, the current ensemble featuring Justin Ringle on guitar, vocals, and banjo, Nathan Crockett on violin and saw, Halli Anderson from River Whyless on violin and vocals, Kati Claborn from Blind Pilot on banjo, clarinet, and vocals, and Luke Ydstie, also from Blind Pilot, on bass, cello, and vocals, is embarking on a US tour. The tour promises an authentic rendition of the original album’s mood through nuanced arrangements and dynamic performances across various venues.
Horse Feathers’ “Words Are Dead” reissue is now available for pre-order, allowing music enthusiasts to secure their exclusive copies in anticipation of the album’s official release date. Influenced by the band’s early days, the reissue preserves the essence and spirit that marked Horse Feathers’ inception, allowing both new and existing fans to appreciate the evolution and enduring sincerity in their music.