Horsegirl's debut album Phonetics On and On is a compelling and vibrant introduction to a band that effortlessly blends elements of indie rock, shoegaze, and post-punk with a refreshingly raw, youthful energy.

From the opening track, it's clear that Horsegirl has mastered the art of crafting atmospheric, guitar-driven soundscapes which bristle with both nostalgia and originality.

The album’s production has a hazy, dreamlike quality, yet there's a sharpness and clarity that makes every riff and lyric pop. It's hard to explain exactly the brand of magic dust sprinkled on tracks like In Twos and Switch Over, but whatever it is, it creates a records that is both freeing and comfortable.

One of the standout qualities of Phonetics On and On, as a whole record, as opposed to singles slung together is the band’s ability to channel a sense of emotional vulnerability while still embracing a certain cool detachment. Many acts aim for this insouciance and end up looking sulky emo sixth-formers lamenting the rising cost of kohl based imports.

The vocal harmonies between lead singers Gigi Reece and Nora Cheng are subtle yet mesmerizing, and their interplay adds an extra layer of intrigue to the album, that houses a lovely blend of introspective lyrics and catchy, looped guitar lines. The dynamic between the two allows for a balance of soft, almost whispered moments, and more aggressive, noisy eruptions.

However, while Phonetics On and On is undeniably an exciting debut, there are moments where the band’s rawness sometimes veers into repetition. Some tracks feel like they follow a similar format, as if they're too afraid too stray too far from the path and lose sight of the breadcrumbs. And that's a shame, as there was a classic album here, and don't get me wrong, it is fantastic, I just wished they'd properly gone for it and followed their instincts.

That said, the album’s highlights are more than enough to make up for the occasional misstep, with its infectious energy, memorable hooks, and lush, layered instrumentation, Horsegirl are sure to be finding even more ways to refine their sound on future releases.

And perhaps that classic is closer than it seems.

Horsegirl's Phonetics On and On is out now on Matador Records.

4/5

RTL

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