Horsegirl : Phonetics On and On
As early as their debut 2020 EP, Ballroom Dance Scene et cetera, Horsegirl—the Chciago-based trio of Nora Cheng, Penelope Lowenstein, and Gig Reece—displayed a knack for both serene and riveting indie rock songwriting. The trio took this to a higher level on Horsegirl’s 2022 debut LP, Versions of Modern Performance, which found the band venturing into noisier and more post-punk-influenced territory, all while infusing their material with a plethora of pop and ambient qualities. As they follow that auspicious debut with their sophomore album, Phonetics On and On, Horsegirl continue to expand upon their sonic range.
For Phonetics On and On, Horsegirl mostly forgo the noise rock distortion that was prominent on Versions. What does carry over, however, is the band’s playful approach to rhythm and atmosphere. This playfulness comes through in their pop sensibilities, the band’s brand of rock straddling an intersection of dream-pop and hook-driven alt rock.
Horsegirl have a wonderful chemistry throughout the album, resulting in performances that showcase their penchant for technical detail and palpable emotion. On “Rock City,” bass and guitar weave together to create a joyful meandering, its upbeat rhythm further punched up by Cheng and Lowenstein’s combined vocal performances and Reece’s drumming. Similarly, the instrumentation of “Well I Know You’re Shy” has a kind of playful call-and-response to its arrangement, the bass and guitar bouncing off each other in a way that’s charming and heartwarming. The band pushes that fun to an even great degree on “2468,” providing a rolling rhythm of vibrant melody that is irresistibly exhilarating.
With minimal similarities shared between 11 songs on Phonetics On and On, Horsegirl gives each track its own distinctive soundscape. The track-to-track progression comes with a jubilant flow that is emotionally surprising; where one song is energetic and thrilling, the one that follows it shifts seamlessly into a melancholic stroll. Though upbeat, “Julie” captures a more contemplative air, as the group takes on a calmer frolick through minimalism. “In Twos” is also like this, with a balance between starker and more (relatively) abundant sections to create a greater sense of dynamics.
There is a palpable sense of joy on Phonetics On and On. Whether it is through galloping rhythms or moodier tones, the chemistry between Cheng, Lowenstein, and Reece intimate, their songs rich in feeling. It feels freeing.
Label: Matador
Year: 2025
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Horsegirl : Phonetics On and On
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