Sad ska’ crew Horizon Point want to ‘Talk About It’ on mental health focused new EP
West Coast crew Horizon Point has unveiled their new EP, Talk About It, a five-track splaying vibrant horns and pacey, emo-laced alternative.
Vocalist Jen Waters explains why she feels the EP carries an important message: “The EP is titled Talk About It and the concept is pretty simple: We think ska needs to do a better job of talking about mental health.”
On the sonic direction & how that complements their storytelling, Waters adds: “This EP gave us an opportunity to deepen our sound and refine our songwriting. It’s Horizon Point’s personal take on ska-punk with a modern emo twist. We explore some pretty heavy topics, but present it in a way that’s bright and upbeat. Of course, there’s some lighter hearted stuff in there too. The focus has always been to be authentic, and we feel like we accomplished that.”
Feeling creatively stifled post pandemic and sick of playing covers at the same wine bars every weekend, husband and wife duo Jen & Jordan Waters strived for something more. The shutdown inspired them to seek out and reclaim their punk rock roots; in doing so, the seeds of Horizon Point would be born.
Joined by Raul Ontiveros, Adam Castellanos and Blake Boetto, the collaborative of multi-instrumentalists each collaborate in the songwriting process. Accordingly, the multi-perspective aesthetic sets a unique backdrop for Horizon Point’s self-proclaimed “sad ska”.
2024 would see the release of debut full-length What If It All Works Out?, a fusion of catchy horn lines and the off-beat rhythms of ska-punk. Melancholy lyricism with a sprinkle of angst.
The band has worked diligently to gain recognition in their local and regional scenes, winning ‘Best Punk Artist’ at the Modesto Area Music Awards. In doing so, Horizon Point has picked up acclaim nationwide, signing to Manic Kat Records, through whom new EP Talk About It has released.
Capturing personal tales about healing from trauma, depression, and ADHD, Talk About It strives to lift the lid off mental health discussion in an oft carefree genre. But, whilst the stories are rooted in struggle, sonically the band uplift and energize, with colorful horns, pacey riffs and a compelling vocal.
From the My Chemical Romance nods of “My Goth GF” to the We Are The Union-esque “Bend The Truth”, Talk About It is awash with melodic, punk adjacent tunes, an instant grab with it’s serotonin-inducing hooks and raw vulnerability.
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Horizon Point is: Jen Waters (vocals/sax), Jordan Waters (vocals/guitar), Raul Ontiveros (trombone), Adam Castellanos (drums), and Blake Boetto (bass).
