The Horrors: Rich Mix, London: 23rd March 2009
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And so The Horrors saga begins again. Having been dropped by their label after the release of their first record, despite packing out shows around the world, XL have picked them up and put them in studio with Geoff Barrow, of Portishead, the result of which was the fairly outstanding 'Primary Colours'.
Appearing on stage in nigh on pitch black, bathed only in deep blue light, The Horrors make their first live appearance with the new set up, designed around the more complex construct of the new record. Previously the bassist, Tom is now surrounded by a wall of synthesisers while organist Spider Webb has moved to bass. And Josh, Joe and Faris stick to guitar, drums and vocals, respectively. And then we start. Lush synth melodies are offset by screeching walls of sound from Josh’s guitar, pounding, razor sharp rhythms from Joe and disturbingly melodic and haunting vocals from Faris creep in underneath.
Throughout the course of the show the band also play 'Count In Fives' and debut single 'Sheena Is A Parasite', though look vaguely uncomfortable in their old skin; aside from Badwan, who takes the opportunity of more aggressive and faster material to show a potential frustration with more melodic and calmer new material, or perhaps the static nature of the showcase crowd who do not seem to be fully comprehending the majesty of the new record. At one point the vocalist even jumps into the crowd, not in stage-dive fashion though no, more in a boot first, “I’m coming for you” sort of fashion, though this is not his only entry into the crowd.
All of the antics, though, are over-shone by the sheer brilliance of the material from 'Primary Colours'. Having seen some good press for the record and heard it described by a gentleman outside the venue as “the best record he’s heard in years” (I won’t say who this gentleman was, but I will say that a sentence like that from him is a substantial statement!), I was geared up to find everything a little over-hyped, even having had the demos and tracks going through the recording process and knowing it was good to say the least. But I was happily proved wrong as song after song of subtle genius emanated from the, slightly murky, PA of the Rich Mix.
Not having a copy of the album to refer to for track names and specific references makes it hard, but it is safe to say that anyone who has heard and enjoyed the recent digital single 'A Sea Within A Sea' should be excited as this track, which also doubles up as an epic closing number as the band leave the stage to the beautiful looped synthesiser melody which slowly fades to a dull hum and disappears, is a perfect benchmark for the sound, style and quality of the new record.
While everyone else is ranting on about the new Yeah Yeah Yeah’s record, go and buy this and beat them to the punch. On this early showing, The Horrors have the potential to be THE band to see this year, even over new comers Passion Pit, or old hands, such as the afore-mentioned YYYS. 'Primary Colours' is coming, watch out.
Words: James Hoste
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Reply #3 on : Thu July 14, 2011, 13:35:12