Andrea Van Cleef & the Black Jack Conspiracy - Horse Latitudes (2024)

Taut, Emotionally Driven and Cinematic Olde Worlde Americana. Horse Latitudes is the fourth solo album by Italian singer-songwriter Andrea Van Cleef, who took the time to record both in Texas with Rick Del Castillo (a collaborator with film-makers Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino) and in Italy with Simone Piccinelli.

Crafting this project on two differing continents has definitely given these songs a unique and ambitious air. “Cinematic” is a word I would use to describe this album, “taut” and “emotionally-driven” are others. This is “Americana” with an Olde World mystique, a 21st-century flair, and a focused production to match. These songs would make perfect soundtracks to a film set in old Europe, and Van Cleef’s songs are punctuated throughout with extensive detail.

Check out the vocal reverb on “A Horse Named Cain” which envelops fully, yet quickly decays atmospherically, yet remains evocative of a cold damp night.

The upright bass on “The Real Stranger” which sets a mood of noir and mystery, Van Cleef’s voice getting close to Jim Morrison territory here.

The contrast between the acoustic and electric guitars on “Come Home,” gives truth to the distance between Van Cleef and his long lost love while he intones for them to please “come home” even though he knows they won’t.

This last one drips with blood, as if from a cold war spy novel.
The unexpected cover of “Oh La La” by the Faces is optimistic and bright, and a true toe-tapper.

“The Longest Song” features bewitching backing vocals by Italian pop singer Ottavia Brown as well as some lovely violin playing throughout.

Throughout these songs, Van Cleef’s affected vocals are fraught with character, as he uses his voice, not just as an instrument, but as more of another character—like an actor living the part, not just playing at one.

He’s also not afraid of reverb-drenched vocals which I am completely onboard with, ‘. Drowning in Reverb’ is a perfect match for Van Cleef’s baritone, and more artists should follow heed.