The Horrors – Nocturnal Existence

      Grief, disconnection, and gothic transformation ignite a remarkable and transformative comeback...

      Since their inception in 2007, The Horrors have stood out with their unique sound. Originally emerging as a group of shoegaze goths, their wild hairstyles and sparkling indie rock positioned them on the fringe of a Camden scene led by Libertines imitators and Arctic Monkeys knock-offs. Their sixth studio album, ‘Night Life,’ revisits the expansive sound of earlier albums, ‘Primary Colours’ and ‘Skying,’ offering a reflective maturity.

      The album stems from the enduring artistic collaboration between vocalist Faris Badwan and bassist Rhys Webb, making ‘Night Life’ their first project without the original line-up. They are now joined by Jordan Cook from Telegram on drums and Amelia Kidd on keyboards, with some guitar contributions from original guitarist Joshua Hayward. The result remains a quintessential Horrors album, now infused with fresh ideas.

      The band continues to delve into the interplay of sound, space, and weight. In ‘The Feeling Is Gone,’ a blend of electronica and rock creates a dynamic ebb and flow; melodies stretch before crashing back onto themselves like deflating lungs, while Badwan’s gentle vocals sparkle in the atmosphere. This contrasts sharply with the Trent Reznor-esque intensity of tracks like ‘Trial By Fire’ and ‘Silent Sister,’ which embrace the industrial techno genre and nod to the catchier aspects of Nine Inch Nails.

      They adeptly navigate the line between heavy sounds and lighter interludes throughout the album. ‘When The Rhythm Breaks’ features Badwan’s delicate vocals, laden with an emotional weight that never fully resolves. The album’s allure lies in the band’s boundary-pushing between ambient soundscapes and garage rock. ‘Ariel’ serves as a striking example of their knack for creating a bleak atmosphere; with its ominous ambience and distorted vocals, it invites listeners into the unsettling world they unveil. ‘Lotus Eater’ follows suit, melding throbbing dance beats with harsh noise to craft a distinctive auditory collage in true Horrors fashion.

      ‘The Silence That Remains’ represents the emotional pinnacle of the album, presenting a haunting portrayal of the suspended time experienced while waiting, perhaps, for unfortunate news. The band explores themes of grief and loneliness, illustrating the strange nature of despair when feeling helpless. This sentiment captures broader feelings of horror: it’s hard to overlook Badwan’s Palestinian background, and how the ongoing atrocities in Gaza likely influenced the album’s creation. ‘Night Life’ is infused with grief, disconnection, and the unsettled emotions of existence. The band vividly expresses the eerie sensation of being in limbo—the post-apocalyptic experience of being the sole awake individual—in a manner that resonates with their past while reaching new heights.

      8/10

      Words: Tilly Foulkes

      If you enjoy this, explore further: Nine Inch Nails, DIIV, Interpol

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