npr.org
Horsegirl Shifts to Minimalist Art-Pop on "Phonetics On & On"
Horsegirl's sophomore album, "Phonetics On & On," released in 2024, shifts from shoegaze to minimalist art-pop, collaborating with Cate Le Bon and showcasing playful experimentation, catchy melodies, and unconventional instrumentation, contrasting with current indie rock trends.
- What role did collaboration with Cate Le Bon play in shaping the sound of "Phonetics On & On," and how does this collaboration reflect on the band's artistic evolution?
- The album's minimalist approach contrasts with the current trend of cynical, post-punk revivalism in indie rock. Horsegirl's playful, almost childlike energy sets them apart from contemporaries like Dry Cleaning and Wet Leg. This approach is reflected in the instrumentation and lyrics, which showcase improvisation and a sense of spontaneity.
- How does Horsegirl's "Phonetics On & On" differ stylistically from their debut album, and what is the significance of this change in the context of current indie rock trends?
- Horsegirl's new album, "Phonetics On & On," marks a stylistic shift from their debut. Instead of the dense shoegaze sound of their first album, this release features stripped-down, minimalist songs emphasizing playful experimentation and catchy melodies. The band collaborated with Cate Le Bon, resulting in a sound described as art-pop with controlled chaos.
- What are the potential long-term implications of Horsegirl's embrace of minimalist, playful music in the indie rock landscape, and how might this influence future musical trends?
- Phonetics On & On" suggests a potential trend toward more experimental and less self-serious indie rock. The album's success could inspire other bands to embrace simplicity and spontaneity, challenging the current dominance of highly produced and conceptually dense music. The band's embrace of unconventional instrumentation also points to a broader trend of musicians experimenting outside traditional genres.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review frames Horsegirl's sophomore album as a significant improvement over their debut, emphasizing its "playful" and "bare-bones" nature. This positive framing might overshadow any potential shortcomings.
Language Bias
The review uses overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic language ("compulsively replayable," "arrestingly catchy," "twee treasures"). While this is common in music reviews, it lacks a critical edge and could be toned down for greater objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on Horsegirl's musical style and influences, but it omits discussion of the band's lyrical content and themes. While this might be a consequence of space constraints, a more thorough analysis of the lyrical meaning would enrich the review.
False Dichotomy
The review sets up a false dichotomy between Horsegirl's debut album and its sophomore album, portraying them as drastically different when they share some stylistic similarities. This simplifies the evolution of their sound.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article focuses on the music of the band Horsegirl and does not directly address issues of poverty or economic inequality.