by
Rob Jones
Each classic band has signature sounds whether it be instrumental, vocal or both and as V, the fifth album from The Horrors, opens up it does not take long before we feel at home with our heroes. We live in a post millennium world whereby there is not going to be anything truly fresh to our ears as artists utilise their influences to either plagiarise or pleasure. The Horrors diligently dip into the decades of the 70’s and 80’s as technology, talent and tunes moved in to new domains. However, this new breed of alternative brethren take the dark and light of those yesteryear electro developments.
As we assess the merchandise it would be impossible to ignore the overriding and indelible stamps of the likes of: David Bowie (and, that is both in advance of and during settlement in Berlin), Throbbing Gristle, Gary Numan, Simple Minds, New Order and Depeche Mode. The Horrors have had a fetish for the era stated and from this juncture they also take on the nuances of the pupils who followed. This stance includes touches one would associate with industrial entrepreneurs such as Trent Reznor and the peers that fed the desires of Marilyn Manson.
Therefore, is it regression or progression? Well, The Horrors are sonic scientists who mix up their colourful ideas in to a magical melting pot and come out with a past both for the now and future days. Yes, these boys can traverse the wee hours as opening track Hologram displays but the follow on tunePress enter to Exit then promotes their pastel shades – and, on this ten track trip there are highways to heaven and hell. Nonetheless, the one constant is professionalism as the both textures and talent sparkle whatever the beat backdrop affords.
“It is a risk,” says vocalist Faris Badwan discussing the band’s bold refusal to stand still. “But life isn’t much fun without risk. It’s the antithesis of being creative if you know what you’re going to be doing every time.” Keyboardist Tom Cowan continues: “It’s natural, if you do see yourself as an artist, to progress and not play it safe. Bowie pre-empted the modern condition of not being able to stay in one place for very long, and I get frustrated with bands who stay still. Because then it does become a career.”
Well done lads, for always staying clear of rigid scenes and ultimately adhering to regal standards. It is V from V for V and the chance to witness this wizardry on stage will add to the appeal of one of the UK’s greatest rock treasures. The Horrors are frighteningly good – and, everyone else competing within this forum be afraid because the bar has been raised to the Point of no Reply!
