New Music - The Horrors 'Still Life' (XL, 2011)

I really can't decide what I feel about The Horrors. For each of their three albums so far, they've adopted three distinct and different sounds from three eras of music history. I wonder whether this is representative of: a) a questing, restless spirit, b) first-class diletantism, or c) a cynical pop-laboratory approach to their music.

Doesn't matter, I suppose, as long as the music is good.

'Still Life' is the first track to emerge from their third album and follows on from Faris Badwan's Cat's Eyes side project. It's early-80s stadium alt stuff - think the 'Pretty In Pink' soundtrack - a la Psychedelic Furs, early Simple Minds (when they were still good), live New Order - with a plodding bass and drum lope plus epic synths.

As with all their stuff, it takes a while to settle in your brain.

The Horrors - Still Life by 1FTP