Horsegirl brings a minimalist, youthful appeal to their second album, ‘Phonetics On and On,’ solidifying their place in the indie rock scene.
‘Phonetics On and On’ – Horsegirl
Forget everything you thought you knew about Horsegirl.
The fuzzy indie rock that originally shaped their sound is no longer present; released on February 14th via Matador Records, ‘Phonetics On and On’ presents the trio in their most stripped-down form yet. They've chosen to simplify their sonic layers and pursue a raw, meditative direction influenced by new collaborators and significant life experiences. The result is an intimate and introspective collection that offers a lo-fi shift from their louder indie rock origins.
‘Phonetics On and On’ – Horsegirl
“Where’d You Go?” opens the album, posing a question listeners may also be pondering. The members harmonize over a bright, jangly guitar, asking, “Where’d you go? Far, far, far away.” Although Horsegirl originated in Chicago as kids, when it was time for college, two members relocated to New York City to pursue their education. This could have changed everything for the band, but they were determined to record this album in Chicago.
The core strength of ‘Phonetics On and On’ lies here. Bandmates Penelope Lowenstein, Gigi Reece, and Nora Cheng reflect on their growth through the setting of their youth, as evidenced in the playful sounds of “2468” and the structured melody found in “Julie.” The album suggests that life's complexities can essentially be distilled into simple terms. In the aforementioned “Julie,” despite the complexities implied in the lyrics, the lines remain succinct yet impactful, such as “I wish I could tell you what you want.”
Young man sickened by the sight
of twenty years that slipped away
Now the engine’s running out
– “Sport Meets Sound,” Horsegirl
Horsegirl © Ruby Faye
‘Phonetics On and On’ exemplifies a masterclass in minimalism.
This time, Horsegirl collaborated with Welsh musician Cate Le Bon, who has previously worked with artists like Deerhunter, Kurt Vile, and Wilco, on production. With a minimalistic approach to music, every element must be perfectly placed. While perfection isn’t essential, intentionality is crucial. For instance, in “In Twos,” the strings create a dissonance against the layered vocals during the lines, “And I try, and I try, and I try.” This moment stands out on such a subtle track, elevating the emotional intensity of the song.
The minimalism of this album extends beyond instrumentation; even the lyrics are more stripped down. Compared to their previous works, Horsegirl has reduced their lyrical content, opting instead for a mix of da-da-das and la-la-las. The most complex song is “Information Content,” which still features echoes of ahoos. Horsegirl challenges themselves to explore melody through simple sounds, making each small noise significant. Thankfully, it pays off. While they maintain their whimsicality (even the song titles like “Rock City” contain inside jokes), they’ve also gained a perspective evident in their lyrics.
To have the same dream three times a week
Favors too big for you to hold
I have so many mistakes to make
Mistakes to make with you
– “Julie,” Horsegirl
Horsegirl © Chase Middleton
The highlight of the album is a sequence of four songs: “Julie,” “Switch Over,” “Information Content,” and “Frontrunner.” There’s a reason three of these tracks were released as singles; they encapsulate the best aspects of the album in a cohesive way.
“Julie” and “Frontrunner” portray everyday moments with a loved one, accompanied by an acoustic guitar reminiscent of ’70s singer-songwriters.
“Information Content” features an uplifting melody over a minimalist backdrop, with the lyrics serving as percussion, highlighted by distinctive knock knocks.
“Switch Over” acts as a bridge between their earlier and newer styles with its playful, upbeat riffs.
Horsegirl © Ruby Faye
Soft and unrefined, ‘Phonetics On and On’ signifies a notable advancement for Horsegirl, demonstrating their ability to stand alongside indie legends.
By returning to their roots, the trio has successfully shed excess and retained the emotional, clever essence of their music. While it’s a common phrase, their skill in revealing their growth through their “inner child” makes this record uniquely touching, even during its most playful moments.
Horsegirl is revealing their true selves to the world, and in response, their audience feels a genuine connection.
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Horsegirl infuses a simplistic, youthful appeal into their second album ‘Phonetics On and On,’ establishing their place in the indie rock tradition.