Finally, probably for the first time since Felt and Eleventh Dream Day, here’s a band where Television is cited as an influence, and I can actually hear it! A young Swedish band enamored with VU, Modern Lovers and CBGBs era NYC, The Horror The Horror also have hints of 90s British influences like Ride, Swervedriver and Supergrass. They have a clean and spare sound that works well because their songs are strong enough to not need to hide behind fancy production. Not that this is underproduced. There are some very nice, shimmery, sparkly moments. Hear “Sound of Sirens,” for example. Without distortion, the song still packs an emotional whallop, even without paying attention to the lyrics.
There will be inevitable squawking about the fact that they replicate nearly the exact riff and rhythm of “Marquee Moon” on “Twice In A Lifetime.” But just like reggae artists used to artfully recycle rhythms since the 60s, this is a playfully creative tribute. It does well to avoid trying to mimic the majesty of the original, and instead inserts their own voice. Released on an indie German label, this kind of hard to find. Tower currently stocks it in the import section for $21, and Rough Trade’s site sells it. The label enthusiastically, and without irony, says, “This is your favourite new band!” For myself, this month they’re right!
September 17, 2025
Chameleons – Arctic Moon (Metropolis)
September 1, 2025
Lathe of Heaven – Aurora (Sacred Bones)
