In the same week that Netflix’s Adolescence continues to dominate online conversation and UK tax cuts and budgets are announced, you’d be forgiven for thinking ‘The Horrors’ relates to something else. But no, in the music world, the band under that monicker are so back, wielding their just-released sixth studio album, ‘Night Life’, to prove it. And to celebrate such a monumental occasion, they put on a run of record store performances up and down the country.

Thursday 27th March saw the group strip things back to offer an “ambient trio show” — as frontman Faris called it — at Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club*. Incense sticks were lit as three of them (covering vocals, keys and bass) entered the stage for a much more pared-down, electronic set than fans would’ve been used to. 

Not owing to the set, the crowd was a little unusual; I could hear some groaning about the lack of blaring amp sound (I mean, there was no issue whatsoever for my ears), and others chatting between songs. But what they weren’t accounting for was, these intimate (400-odd capacity at the Brude) gigs, by design, are meant to be a bit different. They’re made to showcase an outfit’s musical credentials in different ways, for a more special, immersive display. And that’s exactly what we got from The Horrors, who made 45 minutes fly by, and deftly demonstrated that they can nail their gothy heaviness, as well as softer, subtler curations. I was completely sold. 

Favourite tunes in the room naturally included the gentler ‘Still Life’ and the utter classic, ‘Sea Within a Sea’. But I truly appreciated the modern-day majesty of the recently dropped ‘More Than Life’, which has those catchy, noughties sensibilities that would’ve been super-popular back in that decade, just packaged up in this new-age style for the band. And now, I find myself with it on repeat even more than last week, when I had the album on loop. Clever stuff. 

Without pomp or flattery, The Horrors left the crowd with a warm parting thanks for the past 20 years of support, then exited on a high. So, all in all, it was another exquisite opportunity to see an iconic indie band return to the big leagues. 

With thanks to Chuff Media (and Crash Records) for the press access.