7/10

Nearly two decades into their ever-mutating career, The Horrors return with 'Night Life', a bold and atmospheric shift that deepens their legacy as one of the UK’s most chameleonic bands. This latest offering captures the essence of after-hours introspection, painting in hues of dread, allure, and restless beauty.

At the core of 'Night Life' is the creative bond between frontman Faris Badwan and bassist Rhys Webb, whose chemistry anchors the album’s sprawling soundscape. With a reimagined lineup featuring Amelia Kidd on synths and Jordan Cook (Telegram) on percussion, the record signals a fresh phase in the band’s evolution. And while longtime fans may notice the absence of all five original members, this new iteration retains that essential spirit of unpredictability.

Far removed from the chaos of neon-lit nights, 'Night Life' explores the shadows cast in solitude. It’s a record shaped by reflection rather than revelry, anchored by minimalism, but brimming with emotional tension. Tracks like the shimmering yet mournful 'LA Runaway' drift between dream and disillusion, set against a visualiser that echoes the track’s sense of distance and desire.

Ever since their raw, organ-drenched beginnings on 'Strange House', The Horrors have refused to stay still. With each release, from the icy precision of 'Primary Colours' to the expansive grandeur of 'Skying', they’ve defied expectations. 'Night Life' is no different. It’s quieter in places, more restrained, but that restraint only sharpens its impact.

Instead of chasing trends, The Horrors tap into something timeless: the feeling of being awake when the world sleeps, the beauty in uncertainty, and the power of reinvention. On 'Night Life', they are thriving in the darkness.