Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The Horrors: CD review
()
England’s most goulish export, The Horrors, came out with their new album Strange House in March 2007, and its hard, raw, and a bit scary, at least to this emo loving princess.
Formed over five years ago, when Rys Webb, Faris Badwan, and Tomethy Furse met on the Southend circuit sharing their love of 60’s garage band rock, The Horrors are unique to say the least. With heavy drums by Coffin Joe (Joe Spurgeon), eerie vocals by Faris Rotter (Badwan) and distinctive guitar sounds via Joshua Third (who builds the guitar pedals himself), Strange House’s pace increases as the album moves forward, building up to a cacophony of hardcore garage rock sound.
Highlights of the album include “Jack the Ripper” a cover of the Screaming Lord Sutch’sversion, albeit with their own thumbprint, thanks to Coffin Joe’s undeniable drum talent. “Draw Japan” comes through as the most punkish song, reminiscent of Sex Pistols and the British punk scene. “Horrors Theme” is a sufficiently freaky as the band’s banner song. “Sheena is a Parasite” is probably their most popular and well known recording, as the band was approached by director Chris Cunningham who admits to being “mildly obsessed” with it. Cunningham, who is best known for directing music videos for Aphex Twins, came out of a seven year hiatus to direct the appropriately twisted “Sheena” video staring English darling, actress Samantha Morton. Having been immediately banned from MTV UK, the video played for a bit on MTV2 in the United States. “Gil’s Sleeping” an entirely instrumental song, is another interesting addition to Strange House.
Support for LAist comes from
If The Horrors are your thing, this album is pure in its dark and foreboding sounds, its incredible drums and its twisted edginess. No emo or mellow sounds found here.
The Horrors are currently on their first US headlining tour and are planning on playing the European summer festivals throughout July and August. Here are the dates.
Check out Cunningham's video for "Sheena is Parasite" after the jump
Photo by vern. via flickr
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Wasteland Weekend is all about souped-up rust buckets, spikey costumes and an ‘ideal apocalypse.’ -
The Shadow the Scientists initiative at UC Santa Cruz strives to demystify astronomical research. -
Some submissions to the Pasadena Humane Society were made by extremely talented artists. The others … tried their best. -
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning.
Best of LAist