The Horrors

Strange House

(Stolen Transmission)

Record Review by Corey Podell

England’s most ghoulish export, The Horrors, came out with their new album Strange House in March, and it’s hard, raw, and a bit scary - at least to this emo-loving princess. 

Formed over five years ago, when Rys Webb, Faris Badwan, and Tomethy Furse met on the Southend circuit sharing their love of ‘60s garage band rock, The Horrors are unique to say the least.  With heavy drums by Coffin Joe (Joe Spurgeon), eerie vocals by Faris Rotter (Badwan) and distinctive guitar sounds via Joshua Third (who builds the guitar pedals himself), Strange House’s pace increases as the album moves forward, building up to a cacophony of hardcore garage rock sound.

Highlights of the album include “Jack the Ripper,” a cover of the Screaming Lord Sutch’s version, albeit with their own thumbprint, thanks to Coffin Joe’s undeniable drum talent.  “Draw Japan” comes through as the most punk song, reminiscent of Sex Pistols and the British punk scene.  “Horrors Theme” is sufficiently freaky as the band’s banner song.  “Sheena is a Parasite” is probably their most popular and well-known recording, as the band was approached by director Chris Cunningham who admits to being “mildly obsessed” with it.  Cunningham, who is best known for directing music videos for Aphex Twins, came out of a seven-year hiatus to direct the appropriately twisted “Sheena” video, starring English darling Samantha Morton.  Having been immediately banned from MTV UK, the video played for a bit on MTV2 in the United States.  “Gil’s Sleeping,” an entirely instrumental song, is another interesting addition to Strange House. 

If The Horrors are your thing, this album is pure in its dark and foreboding sounds, its incredible drums and its twisted edginess.