The Horrors have their origin in the early 2000s where they became interested in obscure vinyl and DJing. During trips to London and on the Southend circuit, Rhys Webb met Faris Badwan and Tom Cowan, who had attended Rugby School together, through their shared interests in 60s garage rock, and, in 2005 the three formed a band with Joshua Hayward and Joseph Spurgeon.
The band received great support from the British music press (NME in particular) and as a result their hyped to death debut Strange House (2007) entered the UK album charts at #37. A gorgeous and strange blend of punk, surf and gothic organs, this particular brand of retro goth garage is obviously built on an extremely derivative foundation of 60s garage, the Cramps, the Damned, the Birthday Party and Ministry.
Two years later, and where most bands would be happy to rest on their laurels, the black clad quintet returns with sophomore LP Primary Colours (out in May 5th on XL Recordings). Instead of trying to perfect the garage punk stylings of yore, they brought in Geoff Barrow to produce a record that sounds as if it comes from an entirelly different band. Mr. Portishead gave the boot to most of Strange House's influences in order to make way for My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus And Mary Chain, Can and Joy Division. The result is in parts dark and claustrophobic like The Cure's Faith and Bauhaus and in others it has the groove of Neu! and the pop of the Psychedelic Furs. So, it is this reinvention of The Horrors that proves wrong anyone who believes they are at their best in front of a camera rather than behind instruments.
Preorder Primary Colours from Rough Trade here to get an exclusive bonus mix CD by Tom Furse and Rhys Webb, and visit The Horrors on MySpace for more info and tour dates.
www.myspace.com/thehorrors
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