Horse Jumper Of Love – Photo Gallery + Concert Review

By Samantha Skapin

Horse Jumper of Love’s Disaster Trick tour stopped at Mahall’s in Lakewood, Ohio last Saturday, turning the eclectic and intimate venue into a fuzzy soundscape. The Boston trio is a masterclass in balancing tension and reflection and explored the textured soundscapes of their newest album Disaster Trick. Released via Run For Cover, the album showcases the band’s evolution, and the live show captures the same blend of new fragility and power.

The band opened with “Snow Angel,” a standout track from the new album. With Disaster Trick, the band finds themselves refining their slowcore aesthetic while leaning into heavier, more textured territory. Guest vocals from Wednesday’s MJ Lenderman, Karly Hartzman, and Squirrel Flower’s Ella Williams add layers to the sound, perfectly complementing the lyrics. The album feels both focused and expansive, all while staying cloaked in the band’s signature melancholy, and was truly reflected in the live show.

Throughout the set, the band showcased Disaster Trick, including singles like “Today’s Iconoclast” and “Word.” Despite the band’s typically quiet and introspective sound, the energy in the room was more than present, with the packed room nodding their heads in quiet appreciation. Fan favorites like “Bagel Breath” and “Orange Peeler” from their self-titled album made appearances, but they still made sure to highlight the heavier sounds of the newest album with “Wait by the Stairs”. Bassist John Margaris and drummer Jamie Doran were key parts in navigating the contrasting dynamics that define their sound and a perfect complement to Dimitri’s detached and haunting vocals.

The band closed out their set with “Lip Reader”, a personal favorite of mine off of Disaster Trick. Between the vulnerability of the lyrics and the muted heaviness of the sound, the magic of this song lies in its subtlety and was the perfect way to end the set.

Horse Jumper of Love’s live show is packed with emotion and makes you sit and reflect on the layered tension and melancholy they provide throughout the set. Disaster Trick marks a big step forward for the band, and their live performance proved they’re just beginning to unlock the deeper intensity behind their delicate sound.

For those looking to ring in the melancholy of fall with Horse Jumper of Love, check them out on the rest of their North American run.

Sept 19 – Polaris Hall – Portland, OR

Sept 20 – Fox Theater – Vancouver, BC

Sept 21 – Barboza – Seattle, WA

Sept 23 – Holland Project – Reno, NV

Sept 24 – Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco, CA

Sept 26 – Lodge Room – Los Angeles, CA

Sept 27 – Soda Bar – San Diego, CA

Sept 28 – Valley Bar – Phoenix, AZ

Sept 30 – Rubber Gloves – Denton, TX

Oct 1 – Parish – Austin, TX

Oct 4 – Blue Room – Nashville, TN