Midas is the second album from the rapidly rising grungy rockers, Wunderhorse. A record rich in authenticity, with a raw power and energy that sets them apart as one of the most formidable acts in recent years.

Their debut album Cub has taken on a life of its own in the past 18 months and I imagine Midas will follow suit. During the build up toward this sophomore release the four-piece earned opening slots with Declan McKenna and Fontaines D.C., boosting their profile no end.

Jacob Slater’s emotionally charged work with Wunderhorse contrasts with the aggressive style of his previous band, Dead Pretties; his versatility never more on display than on this new album. It almost feels unfinished, scrappy in the best way possible. Leaning into their loose live style in the studio became a guiding principle for the process of the album, each track feeling like it could be a first take.

‘Rain’ embodies this rawness and carries the sort of emotional depth usually associated with Nirvana or Radiohead. Slater’s vocals sound distant as the roaring bass and drums dominate the first half of the song, yet as momentum builds his distinct voice rises as he questions “do you feel the rain?”

‘Emily’ is an great example of the leap Wunderhorse have taken in experimentation compared to their debut. With a despairingly intimate opening line, “dead light, no sleep, this job is killing me slowly” the song ascends from quiet and contemplative to intense, energetic outbursts. The sense of dread and fatigue which Slater describes is embodied through powerful surges in the grungy bass.

The gritty guitar riffs and intense vocals are integral to Wunderhorse’s unique sound, perfectly exemplified in the title track. Reminiscent of a tragic hero’s fatal flaw, desire, consequence and ambition take centre stage in the lyrics, “he fixed me with the coldness of the kingdom in his eyes”; much like that of the titular king whose touch turned everything to gold, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Midas is affluent in fire and fury, reflected in the band’s energy as performers. The raw authenticity of the record is refreshing and needed in the industry at the moment. Wunderhorse succeed by stripping things back to the basics. Real rock ain’t dead.