Attending my first Horrors show during the festive season felt oddly appropriate for a gothic punk rock band. What better time to embrace the dark, atmospheric energy than at Christmas?
Strange Brew, already brimming with its signature art-filled walls, was further adorned with festive flair—tinsel draped over the glitter ball overhead, adding a touch of sparkle to the moody venue. The lights dimmed to total darkness, and The Horrors crept onto the stage to a hero’s welcome. They wasted no time plunging the audience into their bombastic gothic soundscape, kicking things off with the thunderous “Whiplash” and setting the tone for the night.
Over the years, The Horrors’ sound has evolved dramatically, and their set showcased this transformation. Their music weaves together the raw, punk energy of their earlier work with the brooding, atmospheric shoegaze of their recent material. At the centre of it all was frontman Faris Badwan, an electrifying presence who commanded the stage with his wiry frame and intense energy. Dressed head-to-toe in black leather and wielding his mic stand like a weapon, Faris was a force to be reckoned with. His pale complexion, as stark as Santa’s beard, and fiery demeanour made him a perfect embodiment of gothic intensity. His vocals were rich and on point, his performance a visceral display of emotion as he gripped the mic stand like it was an extension of himself.
One of the night’s standout moments came with “Trial By Fire”, a ferocious track from their upcoming album Night Life, set to release in March. This song charged forward with relentless energy, its crashing chorus and synth-drenched feedback a perfect backdrop for Faris’ commanding yell: “Nobody gets out of here alive.” It was a thrilling glimpse of what’s to come from their new material.
The Horrors’ live show is a unique experience, bringing together the varied facets of their career in a way that feels cohesive. While their albums might seem like they come from different bands, their live performance stitches it all together seamlessly, delivering a show that satisfies both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Tracks like “Still Life” shimmered with its synth-led melody, offering a euphoric moment and proving to be an uplifting, head-banging anthem.
Later in the set, “Who Can Say” whipped the crowd into a frenzy with its irresistible indie-rock edge, turning the room into a sea of bouncing bodies. By the time the audience was screaming for an encore, I realised I was fully converted 100% a Horrors fan. Better late than never, right?
The band returned for a two-song encore, closing the night with their anthemic classic “Something to Remember Me By.” It’s the kind of track that refuses to leave your head, a perfect fusion of New Order-esque melancholy and Pet Shop Boys-inspired infectiousness. The chorus felt endless in the best way, a moment I wished would last forever. It was the perfect conclusion to a set that left me utterly hooked.
I’m already counting down the days to their headline set at Dot to Dot Festival next year. I can’t wait.
Words and Pictures by Matthew Barnes.
