The Horrors have always been a bit of a strange band. It hits you from the first look; the ghoulish appearance of lead man Faris Badwan and his black-laden bandmates, and their musical transitions have been slightly odd also. From the gothic punk-fuelled debut album ‘Strange House’, which evolved into the more polished sound of Mercury Prize-nominated ‘Primary Colours’. And now we have the latest development in third album ‘Skying’.
Well, make sure you give it ten listens instead of two. On first exposure, ‘Skying’ washes over in a drab and dreary over-synthesised wave, leaving little to no impact whatsoever with an overuse of the shoegazing aesthetic. Take the track ‘Wild Eyed’ for example. A lazy beat, an over-polished feel, swishing vocals and random moments of melody popping in and out make for an instantly forgettable track.
Throw in ‘Endless Blue’ and ‘You Said’ to this category. Endlessly floating on the periphery, there is nothing really to grab your attention as they heavily put the ‘effects’ switches to use on these, the occasional lyric leaping out but mostly a monotonous experience. On top of this, ‘Moving Further Away’, in an odd 80’s-esque style, labours some more – for over eight minutes.
But then you give ‘Skying’ some time. Give it that couple of listens, and the good moments begin to seep through the synth-drenched tapestry. Opener ‘Changing The Rain’ is pleasant enough, interesting from the off and the first example of some brilliant Badwan vocals spouting the spiritual moral ‘Open your eyes’. ‘I Can See Through You’ bounces along with a bit more purpose and hooking intent, while ‘Monica Gems’ sees The Horror’s return to that guitar sound, if at a slower pace.
Then suddenly, moments of beauty ooze through the thickly layered ‘Skying’. ‘Dive In’ is an almost Britpop-esque catchy number, and where for once they get the ambience right and the outcome is finally a memorable instant, and lead single ‘Still Life’ is a good indie anthem that shows the progression of this band. But undoubtedly the finest moment comes in album closer ‘Oceans Burning’. Long but for the first time worthwhile, it touches a sombre and poignant nerve, mellow but touching, and Badwan’s soothing voice comes in and out, heralding ‘It’s a joy to know you’re waiting there’ as ‘Skying’ finally connects properly.
On the whole, ‘Skying’ does make for an atmospheric and intellectual album with good moments, but it mostly makes little impact. It gets better as you listen more but there are too many synths and odd noises to really connect and leave its mark, with – barring a couple of brilliant moments – would be left to gather dust on the shelf. The Horrors are progressing to something better, their stranger beginnings have tried to become more accessible, but this isn’t their best yet.
Not really seeing what the fuss is about, but definitely loved 'Oceans Burning'. However, there is nothing on YouTube, Soundcloud or the rest of the internet with this song on, so instead here's lead single 'Still Life'. Brilliant (but only if you get my sarcasm there).
NWR
No comments:
Post a Comment