Primary Colours [CD]

I have to admit that, back in 2006, when the Horrors first emerged I was, pardon the pun, horrified. Their old sound was generic and they stank of the style over substance nonsense that the NME had come to adore; nothing but a product of the hype machine. Fast forward to 2009, however, and things are completely different. The "quirky" magazine-friendly image is still there, but this time the band have remembered to write some decent tunes too. They also decided that, rather than copy the bands they idolised, they could take the bits they liked, mix them together with other bits and make something new and exciting. Large elements of Primary Colours sound a bit like other bands, but it's safe to say that none of those bands ever made a sound quite like this. The Jesus and Mary Chain, Joy Division, Siousxie and The Banshess, MBV, Can, Neu!: it's all here, but it's never in doubt that you're listening to any other band. With an array of experimental sounds and plenty of feedback throw in to the equation, it's clear when listening that great care has gone into every track. Each song rewards repeated listens and all of them contain plenty to like beyond the obvious. Credit here surely goes to the production team, who, by all accounts, helped to bring out the best in the band creatively as well as adding their own particular talents to proceedings. That the album shares 4 production credits (one of which being the band themselves) is, I feel, one of the reasons that each track sounds distinctive, and there are many different sounds explored throughout the course of the ten tracks. Because of this, the album sounds great as a whole; something that is sadly lacking with a lot of releases lately. With many albums at the moment sounding like a collection of disparate tracks thrown together, it's nice to hear a cohesive piece of work that stands up as a great album. As much as I'd have wanted to hate this album a few years ago, I can't help but admit that it's amazing. Definitely the sound of a band evolving into something new and improved. Perhaps it's not for everyone, but it's definitely for me. Regardless of any past, ahem, horrors, they may have committed.

Tis not hype that caused a sizeable proportion of crtics to declare this 'Album of the Year', twas talent. The Horrors have managed to create what the Doves have always tried to - an aural landscape that sucks you in and lets you float in it for forty-five minutes. No two tracks are the same and each one gels into the next perfectly. It takes a lot for a crusty 47 year old grandfather to get excited but this album did it with out any effort what so ever. Buy and enjoy.

Happened upon this album by chance and nearly didn't listen to it, remembering their first pretty average goth rock album and the Peaches Geldof association (never a good sign). Well, I doubt that there has ever been a bigger turnaround from first to second album in terms of style and quality. Its definitely a Screamadelica-type line in the sand and the Horrors have created a landmark album.

Overall, Primary Colours is a fantastic album of sonic, hazy soundscapes and great guitar hooks. MBV for the 21st century. Also saw them recently at the Forum and they were great live as well. They can no longer be dismissed as ludicrous goth rockers. Essential listening.