The Horrors – Skying
XL Recordings: 2011
I don’t have a problem understanding English accents. But Skying, The Horrors’ fourth studio album has me nodding my head, eyebrows raised, thinking “could you say that again?” Don’t take that as criticism. I don’t understand half the words that come out Thom Yorke, but I still buy enjoy most every album that Radiohead releases. This album—not so bad either.
This post-punk pop group has a laid back, lackadaisical presence. Songs seem to arise out of thin air, swagger from ear to ear, and then disappear. All the while, a heavy presence of electronica adds a back filler of simple noise—loudly.
In a perfect world, this album would have cut to the chase and opened on the fourth track, “Endless Blue”. The song builds. It begins all bassy-like, but progresses. The electric curtain that smothers the first three tracks is only here as a subtlety. Call me old fashion, but this balance just feels right. Some albums can pull off bombarding your ears with layer upon layer of noise. This is not one of those albums. The big transition kicks off around the two minute mark and I can’t help but enjoy every lazy jawed word that falls through the cracks. The song takes one more step around the three minute mark—then recedes.
The Breakfast Club vibe really comes through in “Still Life”. It’s a damn good song. And if you don’t feel the punk rock vibe, skip through to “Monica Gems” and soak up the simple power chords that chip teeth and piss off your parents.
3 out of 5