THE HORRORS

Solus, Cardiff University Students Union

Sun 20 May

words: JUSTIN EVANS

It’s impressive for a band to change their style so much and retain, if not add to, their reputation. If Southend quintet The Horrors’ latest album Skying (2011) was nothing to celebrate then this love-in wouldn’t be worth the paper it’s printed on; however, their previously garagey sound has been swapped for one which intersects post-punk and 80s pop, rendering them more approachable and… better.

If you already know this then you’ll already have plans to attend The Horrors’ first Cardiff date in five years; if this is a starting point and you still need pushing, go to Youtube and find the video for Still Life, expertly and psychedelically created by Pete Fowler, and coerce yourself into buying the album and a ticket. The vocals of Faris Badwan (formerly Faris Rotter) seems to have grown since the band changed sonic tack, and the others more than equal him for discipline.

Of course, I’m going on here as if you’re not aware of The Horrors’ fine back catalogue that exists. Second album Primary Colours, from 2009, is a great album in its own right too, mixing up Krautrock repetition, opiated Spacemen 3 styles and My Bloody Valentine-style bliss. Recent times have seen big names like Public Enemy and DJ Shadow playing Cardiff University, but this might just rival those in the Experience stakes. Support comes from Toy and Bo Ningen. Tickets £14. Info 029 20781458