In the '00s, Tooth & Nail Records put out two albums from one of the strangest artists to ever grace the label: Neon Horse. The band was led by Norman Horse, the alter ego of Stavesacre/The Crucified vocalist, Mark Salomon, and the music was provided by The Band, an uncredited line-up of Starflyer 59's Jason Martin and Project 86's Steven Dail. The band had been defunct since after 2009's Haunted Horse: Songs of Love, Defiance, and Delusion. But we're in a time when no defunct band is safe from a reunion. And thanks to Velvet Blue Music and Jeff Cloud's magic hat, Neon Horse is back for another round.

Habit of Creature is only a 4-song EP, but it's classic Neon Horse and it packs a punch. They came out swinging for the fences right off the bat with "Haskell Moon." The song is a real rocker and, quite honestly, one of the best tracks to the band's name. Norman Horse sounds as good as ever (though I would've preferred less of the echoing vocal effect that permeates the whole EP), and the music also has some sinister-sounding undertones that make this a tried and true Neon Horse recording. "Nuttin' There" keeps the pace going, but things slow down a bit for "Moana Lisa." The song is led by some fantastic, bluesy guitar riffs, while Norman leans into his spookier, more mysterious side. Safe to say, this is a highlight of the EP and could end up being a fan favorite -- though the same could be said for the closer. "I Know That It Can Be Confusing (When It's All Your Fault)" is not only a great song title, but the song itself perfectly follows "Moana Lisa" with more glorious guitars and big melodies that will get stuck in one's head. I especially love the introduction of some quiet saxophone during the spoken word bridge near the end. What a great combination.

I know it sounds cliche, but by the time the short EP comes to an end, it's satisfying, but it also leaves me wanting more. Habit of Creature is a lovely return for Neon Horse, and I just hope that it's only the beginning. Velvet Blue has already sold out of vinyl, and only has a few CDs left (as of writing this). If you're a fan of the band (or Salomon, Dail, or Martin), you won't regret picking one up.

- Review date: 10/25/24, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com