Austin by Once Great Estate: Review

by Gabe Finch October 12, 2022

October 12, 2022

Tracy Horenbein’s new release “Austin” under the project name Once Great Estate is an ode to the beautiful land of Austin. While this isn’t the first time an artist has dedicated a song to the place, it’s definitely earned a place of reference among Indie, Rock, and Country/Folk genres.

Tracy expresses a great affinity for the city with vocals just like a siren call, or a mermaid calling from far away in the sea. She’s a mermaid on a rock, under the glistening moonlight, singing to you about what she finds her reflection within. Her music is like an odyssey, a revelation of the wilderness backed by a strong guitar-laden backdrop that fills you up with an otherworldly feeling.

Her one-time visit to Texas and spending time with rescue horses at Willie Nelson’s Luck Ranch have taken her by surprise. Among all her visits, Austin stood out the most to her for its art, food and music. It is evident in her soothing track that she couldn’t wait to get back to Florida and pour her heart and creativity into making it.

The lyrical inspiration, the submersive music, the circling guitar solo, and, of course, Tracy’s vocal range are an astronomical combination. It makes you want to walk down a memory lane of your own hometown, or a place you left behind a long time back but still feel a deep-set attachment to.