Type and hit ENTER

Commonly used tags...

Brighton Festival Brighton Fringe Brighton Pride British Sea Power Cinecity Lewes Psychedelic Festival Locally Sourced Lost & Found Love Supreme Festival Mutations Festival Nick Cave Poets Vs MCs Politics Rag'n'Bone Man Record Store Day Save Our Venues Six Of The Best Source Virgins Streets Of Brighton Street Source Tattoos The Great Escape Tru Thoughts Unsung Heroes
  • Home
  • News
  • Previews
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Food
  • Tickets
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Advertise
  • Home
  • News
  • Previews
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Food
  • Tickets
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Advertise
The Horrors - Brighton Source - Ashley Laurence - Time for Heroes Photography
The Horrors - Brighton Source - Ashley Laurence - Time for Heroes Photography
The Horrors - Brighton Source - Ashley Laurence - Time for Heroes Photography
The Horrors - Brighton Source - Ashley Laurence - Time for Heroes Photography
The Horrors - Brighton Source - Ashley Laurence - Time for Heroes Photography
The Horrors - Brighton Source - Ashley Laurence - Time for Heroes Photography
The Horrors - Brighton Source - Ashley Laurence - Time for Heroes Photography
Reviews

The Horrors Review

Nov 3, 2017
-
Posted by Ashley Laurence

In the run-up to Halloween, it was only apt that The Horrors should make an appearance. Coinciding with the release of their critically acclaimed 5th album ‘V’, the Southend experimental post-punk rockers came to Sussex University and brought all the stage presence and atmosphere that we’ve come to expect from a band who are probably known just as well for their imagery as for their music.

It all began with multi-instrumentalist Rhys Webb in a trance-like state, swaying from side to side with an absent stare, whilst singer Faris Badwan prowled the stage. The rest of the band, however, seemed content with just getting on with playing their instruments, without fussing much about adding to the visual performance. Throughout the gig the songs alternated between dreamy electronica and throbbing punk, a feat which some bands would struggle to achieve without sounding forced and unnatural, yet The Horrors manage to pull it off effortlessly.

The Horrors - Brighton Source - Ashley Laurence - Time for Heroes Photography

It felt like a throwback to the 80s and the strange world of post-punk, where new wave and punk rock intermarried to produce some very unique and alternative new music. Generally the songs were well received by the audience, although there were definite crowd favourites such as ‘Still Life’, which sounded amazing with all band members hitting their stride and the instruments coming together tremendously. Occasionally the odd song would plod along a little bit, but we can forgive them for this as they were captivating for the vast majority of the set.

We were very impressed by how vibrant the new songs sounded and the crowd’s reaction proved to be a positive one, with tunes such as ‘Weighed Down’ translating particularly well onto the live stage and sounding experimentally beautiful. Although The Horrors are much changed from their early punk days, they haven’t sold out by any means. Their new songs sound fresh and continue to push against boundaries, despite what some of the more traditional punks would have you believe.

The Horrors - Brighton Source - Ashley Laurence - Time for Heroes Photography

The Horrors closed with new song ‘Something To Remember Me By’, a fitting climax for a band that’s not easily forgotten. Despite the fact that there was an absence of any stage antics of the like that has appeared on previous shows, the imagery, blend of sounds and experimental nature of the music all contributed to the gig being an unforgettable experience.

Few bands have changed their sound so much from album to album and this makes for a truly fascinating mixture of genres when The Horrors perform live. Although this might make it hard to enjoy every single song they play, there’s bound to be something in there for most people. We’d be surprised if anyone wasn’t completely captivated by at least one of the songs at this show.

The Horrors, Attenborough Centre, Saturday 28th October 2017
Words by Jack Moore
Photos by Ashley Laurence

Nov 3, 2017
Email
Ashley Laurence
I'm a music, events and portrait photographer (Time for Heroes Photography), balancing freelance work with my day job as a content writer.

I'm a lover of the open-minded, treating people and our planet with respect, punk spirit and take a rather footloose and fancy-free new approach to embrace new experiences. Not a fan of heights.

I adore Brighton's unique character, and have been proudly repping Brighton Source since 2013.
← PREVIOUS POST
Ferma Review
NEXT POST →
Street Source No.20
Mailing List

Recent Posts
  • Great Escape 2025 Day 4 Review
    Jun 13, 2025

    Day 4 started with a party whistle thrash punk Extravaganza and ended with the glorious debut of Post Common. We love you TGE.

  • Great Escape 2025 Day 3 Review
    Jun 9, 2025

    One of the real joys of the Great Escape is you can often see the bands that really grab you more than once. Day 3 delivered.

  • Great Escape 2025 Day 2 Review
    Jun 7, 2025

    Day 2 provided a diverse range of acts. Within 30 minutes we went from beautiful Australian folk to riotous Korean DnB and that was before tea time!

  • The Girl On The Train Review
    Jun 7, 2025

    A fantastic adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel which is a beautiful balance of acting, theatricality and gritty story telling.

  • Great Escape 2025 Day 1 Review
    Jun 6, 2025

    No longer just a day for getting your wrist band; some serious heavy hitters were brought out for a cracking day one.

  • Winnie The Pooh Review
    Jun 2, 2025

    A delightful venture into the 100 acre wood with Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh and their friends: full of wonder, innocence and charm.

  • Lower Slaughter Return With New Album And Headline Show
    May 30, 2025

    New line up! New Album! New Show! Same heavy heavy monster riffs. Winner.

  • Delightfully Dark Review
    May 30, 2025

    A fresh and hilariously funny one man cabaret show about the absurdity of death, living a finite existence and embracing life in all its imperfections.

Website developed in Brighton by Infobo
Copyright © Brighton Source 2009-2023
The Horrors Review - Brighton Source