From the opening portentous moments of their debut, self-titled album, the Horizon band’s moody preamble piques your interest before launching into a barrage of solid, heavy rock guitars, laying down the foundation for lead singer Lee Bradshaw to power over the top of it all with a heartfelt vocal performance. The guitars in question are provided by Australian rock royalty, Farnham band’s Brett Garsed and the dearly departed Stuart ’Chet’ Fraser (Noiseworks, John Farnham) in his final studio recordings. The firm bottom end is provided by Angus Burchall (also John Farnham band), and Rich Panaia (bassist and longtime collaborator with Bradshaw). For the next half an hour or more, the band continue to impress with their tight, innovative licks on 9 well-crafted songs based in blues rock but flirting with elements of prog rock and even soul. Check out the video to their first single Sex and Love for a prime example of the band’s fine musical pedigree.
Ahead of the release of the Horizon album on Friday May 16, main man Lee Bradshaw sat down with Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips over a zoom call to chat about the creation of the record
MORE ABOUT THE HORIZON PROJECT
Horizon, the Australian rock band led by composer and singer-songwriter Lee Bradshaw, is set to release their long-awaited self-titled album on May 16, 2025. The album marks a significant milestone for the band, blending heavy rock with progressive elements, and paying tribute to the late Stuart Fraser (Noiseworks), whose final recorded performances are featured on the album.
Produced by Lee Bradshaw, mixed by David Carr (Russell Morris, Deborah Conway), and mastered by Leon Zervos (AC/DC, The Cult, The Black Crowes, INXS) the album is a testament to the band’s musical evolution. Far from the typical three- or four-chord rock anthems, these tracks are musically sophisticated with intricate arrangements and powerful, often ferocious energy. The album brings together influences from iconic acts like Led Zeppelin, Free, Deep Purple and the guitar work hints at an understanding of British blues rock history from bands like John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers.
The music highlights stunning guitar work, dynamic rhythms, and evocative vocals. David Carr’s engineering is rich and dense, capturing the full essence of heavy rock with incredible depth. The guitar tones of Stuart Fraser and Brett Garsed (John Farnham) are nothing short of exceptional, cutting through the mix with precision and power. Completing the sound is the dynamic bass work of Rich Panaia (Christine Anu, Aaron Schembri), whose urgent, driving presence anchors the rhythm section, while Angus Burchall (John Farnham, The Black Sorrows) adds a relentless energy that propels each track forward.
The album’s release had been delayed to allow for the passing of time following Stuart Fraser’s death in late 2019. Out of deep respect for his legacy, the album was quietly completed and shelved, awaiting the right moment for release. Now, with the blessing of the Fraser family, the album is finally set to be shared with the world, marking a significant moment in both the band’s journey and in Australian rock history.
The Horizon album kicks off with ‘Primitive’, a track driven by a bluesy riff and long slide intro, setting the stage for the band’s powerful sound. ‘You Know Who I Am’ brings full-throttle intensity with its syncopated rhythm and soaring chorus. ‘Hey Brother’ captures the essence of early 1970s Australian rock, reminiscent of Stevie Wright’s “Evie (Part I)”, with a 1970s flanger effect over a part of the mix. ‘Forever On My Mind’ showcases Lee Bradshaw’s impressive vocals paired with beautiful guitar work.
‘I Will Be King’ offers a Beatlesque mid-section with a Mellotron, blending pastoral elements with hard rock. The first single taken from the album, ‘Sex And Love’, blends heavy rock with psychedelic undertones, evoking the sounds of both Led Zeppelin and Soundgarden, while the track’s music video offers a rare glimpse into the band’s creative process. Filmed and directed by Gary Robertson (Jarrah Film) the footage will also be part of an upcoming documentary, slated for a late 2025 release, on the making of the album through the eyes of its visionary writer, singer and producer, Lee Bradshaw.
‘Monkey On My Back’ draws lyrical inspiration from Cold Chisel’s “You Got Nothing I Want” and Cheap Trick’s “Dream Police”, adding tension and rebellion to the track’s atmosphere. ‘My Only One’ is a reflective ballad that offers a brief meditative break before ramping up into heavier territory. Finally, ‘Head Like A Hydro’ closes the album with its blistering guitar solo and urgent rhythm, capturing the spirit of Horizon’s raw energy. The track serves as an intense and symbolic finality to the album. With its scattergun rhythmic drumming, bass, and heavy guitar work, the song’s ending unleashes a sense of chaos and fury, representing the band’s determination and the ferocity of the record.
The Horizon album is a cornerstone of Australian rock history and deserves to be recognised alongside the genre’s most iconic works. It is available on May 16, 2025, will be released in limited edition 180-gram vinyl, numbered and in a gatefold sleeve, as well as Compact Disc and Digital formats. Additionally, Horizon will return to the stage for the first time in years with a special live performance on Friday, August 8, 2025, at The Evelyn Hotel (Fitzroy, VIC).
🔗 Watch the ‘Sex And Love’ video (documentary preview): https://youtu.be/bL43of4b6o4
🔗 Pre-order the album and buy tickets for the live show: https://horizonmusic.com.au (official band website)