Seattle trio HORSEFIGHT return with Haunted, a sophomore EP that tightens their blend of classic rock swagger and ‘90s alternative instincts into something more deliberate. Where their debut Volunteer introduced the band’s hybrid approach, this release feels more focused, both in tone and execution.
At the center of the EP is “Alternative Rock (From 1995 or 6),” a track that doubles as both homage and commentary. Built on a familiar four-chord backbone, the song leans into the sonic language of mid-’90s alt-rock while openly acknowledging its own construction. It’s self-aware without losing sincerity, functioning less as parody and more as a direct tribute to the band’s formative influences.
That balance runs throughout Haunted. The band expands their sound with heavier guitars, more pronounced harmonies, and a clearer emphasis on production detail. The result is a record that feels bigger without becoming overproduced, keeping the raw edge intact while sharpening the presentation.
Tracks like “Holy Ghost” and “Ways to Die” push into more aggressive territory, driven by thick distortion and tighter rhythmic interplay. Drummer Fred Ness anchors these moments with a more assertive presence than on earlier material, giving the songs added weight and forward motion.
Elsewhere, “So Much Less Than You Bargained For” shows the band stretching structurally. The track plays with phrasing and timing in a way that breaks from standard alt-rock patterns, pulling from influences like Pixies and The Breeders without directly imitating them. It’s a sign of a band becoming more comfortable bending its own rules.
Despite the heavier lean into alternative rock, traces of classic rock remain embedded in the DNA. “No Reason at All” carries that influence most clearly, blending straightforward riffing with a looser, more vintage sensibility.
What ties the EP together is the interplay between Greg Wood and Sabine Bischofberger’s vocals. Their harmonies add dimension without softening the impact, often shifting between unison and separation in ways that mirror the band’s broader push-and-pull between eras and styles.
Haunted ultimately feels like a band locking into its identity. The influences are still visible, but they’re being used more intentionally now, shaped into something cohesive rather than exploratory.
It’s not reinvention. It’s refinement, with just enough self-awareness to keep it from feeling static.
