By Liz Belilovskaya

The Horrors’ new album Skying is a pleasant record full of lovely and mellow-yellow tracks that lack a significant amount of luster. The tracks are relaxing and easy on the ears. The differences among the songs lies in the somber feel of some while others come off as more uptempo, but the overall melancholy quality of the album is consistent. Unfortunately the lyrics of certain tracks are somewhat difficult to understand, but there is no mistaking the band’s signature, airy sound.

“Changing the Rain” is a calm track much like album itself, with acoustic drums and intermittent guitars in equilibrium with the overall electronic sound. The song has a nice beat n groove with a good intro, but the lyrics are practically impossible to understand. “You Said” has the same problem. As the second song on the record it features a nice and calm back beat with skips. A tremolo guitar makes an appearance during the verse.

The next track “I Can See Through You” is faster and more exciting, but the persistent, distant vocal quality throughout the record is unmistakable. Luckily the lyrics are clearer this time around. It also helps that the title of the song is a consistent lyric in the track making it easier to understand. Although making a direct comparison is difficult, this song sounds similar to something Joy Division might have attempted.

Luckily Skying has a decent mix of tracks. “Endless Blue” is a little harder, and maybe he coolest song on the record with a spirit that evokes a blend of Nirvana and Interpol.  “Dive In” is an instant change, with a good beat and interesting chorus change. For those who like creative music, this track is for you.

The Depeche Mode-y “Still Life” incorporates a nice keyboard-driven melody, the texture of the song comes off as glassy. In the same way that “Dive In” resembled Echo & The Bunnymen, “Wiled Eyed” does as well. “Moving Further Away” is a unique song on the album, with a distinctly depressed tenor driven by its core melody.

“Monica Gems” isn’t overly heavy or wild with a good tale but is a tamed take on electronic experimentation. “Ocean Burning” is a darker and slower track. It is very open and airy, not too memorable as a closing statement though, “Moving Further Away” would probably have been a better selection as the final song on the record.

Faris Badwan is in perfect harmony with the music. He has an interesting voice but not much range or power to it. The vocals are slightly distorted, making it tough to give a concrete identity to anything especially when combined with the production. The tracks are very rich and a lot of layering is used. The sound is mostly good but occasionally muddled. While certain songs on the album are heavier than others, the overall the impression is nice and calm tempo. If the band went with a different producer perhaps the record would have been a bit more polished and sharp.
 out of 5

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