Wunderhorse – Cub

Wunderhorse’s debut album Cub, released in 2022, marks a striking shift for Jacob Slater from punk frontman to introspective songwriter. The album blends grunge, Britpop, and Americana into a gritty yet melodic record that explores addiction, identity, and emotional recovery. Tracks like “Teal” and “Leader of the Pack” show off Slater’s gift for pairing raw lyrical vulnerability with muscular, guitar-driven arrangements. His voice—weathered, expressive, and full of intent—drives the emotional core of the album, revealing a young artist coming into his own.

Cub feels both lived-in and fresh, capturing the sound of a band channeling their influences—Radiohead, Neil Young, and early 2000s British indie—into something sincere and current. The production is unpolished in the best way, allowing the songs to breathe and build organically. Critics and fans alike have praised its emotional honesty and strong songwriting, helping Wunderhorse build a loyal following and placing Slater firmly among the most promising voices in British rock.

Reviews

"On a record filled with personal revelations, Jacob Slater truly finds himself." – NME
"Soaked in Americana distortion, eerie guitars and Slater’s bellowing vocals on ‘Teal’ lure you into a frenzied undertow." – Hotpress

"This is a very good rock music album and you should listen to it … Jacob Slater has created some of the most well-crafted and interesting rock songs of this decade." – Sputnikmusic

"Cub is an album best enjoyed in its entirety and at high volume and it won’t be long until Wunderhorse is the name on everyone’s lips." – Clunk Magazine

"A debut that lands fully formed, both immediate and slow-burning, filled with enough presence to mark a beginning and enough wear to suggest they’ve been here a while." – Moose Vinyl