The Horrors are a band that you cannot pin down to one genre, and bassist/producer Rhys Webb confirms that. “I certainly don’t believe in any musical boundaries, and I think that’s always been the ethos of the band, and there’s never any limits, or rules or any right or wrongs of what we should do.”
The Horrors have evolved slowly but steadily over the years. The group was formed in 2005 and consisted of Faris Badwan (vocals), Rhys Webb (bass), Josh Hayward (guitar/piano), Joe Spurgeon (drums) and later Tom Furse (keyboards). Their first album was derided by those who didn’t understand, but then went on to create the beloved Primary Colours soon after, starting their journey towards bigger festival slots and more attention. They have even done a remix of Born This Way for Lady Gaga and appeared on The Mighty Boosh as The Black Tubes.
Their 2017 album, ‘V’ was their most accessible effort yet, with producer Paul Epworth helping them create a record that keeps their DNA intact while pushing them towards a slightly more commercial sound. They also released a pair of EPs in 2021 titled ‘Lout’ and ‘Against the Blade’, both of which were like a shock to the system, or as Rhys says, they were “a way of shedding the skin, refreshing the palette.”
Their aesthetic has changed over time, slightly softening from their early days. “It was very stylised around the early days, which was kinda like ’60s garage meets almost Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Cure,” says Rhys. “We were 18, so we were having fun dressing up in those clothes, and that was our kind of gang aesthetic, but when the band started, we kind of pushed it harder.”
We’re also close to a milestone, with the group approaching 20 years together. So, over two decades, what has Rhys learned and how has he developed? “I feel like we’re in a fortunate, lucky position, it’s a job I appreciate.” Even though being a musician can allow you to not grow up as quickly, Webb believes he has developed over the years, saying “I hope I’ve matured, but I’m still the same fan of music I always was.”
The group has recently recruited Amelia Kidd (keyboard/backing vocals) and Jordan Cook (drums), but this doesn’t mean Tom Furse and Joe Spurgeon left on bad terms. “There are no bad feelings between us and the other guys,” who were also involved in the last EPs. The new additions have revitalised the group, which can be felt on the new album. “Having two new members completely rejuvenated our feeling toward playing live, in the rehearsal room, (and) on the stage.”
With such a varied back catalogue, we ask if there are any songs that Rhys wishes people knew more of. “I like You Said from Skying – I think that is a cool one that we’ve never really played that much.” He also mentions Weighed Down from V, which is also a great choice. A deep-cut favourite of his is Oceans Burning, which hardcore Horrors fans will appreciate.
When he’s not creating music or touring, Rhys also runs club nights that consist of rare soul, psychedelic and garage music. “I don’t want the club to feel retro, but it is very much at the mercy of psychedelic experience.” The key to a good DJ set is not being selfish and crafting a mood for the audience. “I just try and play good music for dancing.” Try to catch Rhys at The Cave Club in London if you can.
Rhys has described ‘Night Life’ as “a classic Horrors album from the future,” which is a tantalising prospect. They wanted to “explore and return to darker and heavier atmospheres, heavier worlds of music, whether that be heavier ambience or guitars.” This record and its creation start at Rhys’s kitchen table, where he and Faris (Badwan) used everything from drum machines, synths, guitars and more to create the foundation of the album. The pair soon moved to LA and worked to flesh out the songs.
The last single, LA Runaway, began as a more “New Order, classic electronic sort of banger.” This track shifted into something more akin to a song from Skying. “Once we got to work with the producer Yves Rothman, it ended up being more guitar-based, almost traditional Horrors bass, drum guitar kind of vibe.”
Before we wrap up our conversation with Rhys, he talks about the upcoming in-store shows, which will feature a more stripped-back and spaced-out approach. He, along with Faris and Amelia, will perform at various stores across the country before the full tour later this year. Rhys adds, “Hopefully, we’ll be playing a show near you soon.”
‘Night Life’ is out on March 21st via Fiction Records, and you can find in-store dates here.
Listen to the full chat here:
