Opening tonight’s show was Glasgows finest, The Era making waves in the local scene since we last caught them at Tennement Trail in September. The band draped in black leather cut quite a serious shape on stage and their blend of electroc- clash grunge is the perfect prequel to The Horrors, stand out track has to be “Black Leather Lover”.

The Horrors‘ long-awaited performance at Glasgow’s Room 2 was a captivating journey through two decades of music, all while celebrating the release of their latest album, Night Life. The venue, dark and moody with minimal lighting, perfectly set the tone for the band’s immersive, atmospheric sound. Red and green lights repeated on stage, casting shadows that complemented the band’s ethereal post-punk, shoegaze, and krautrock-inspired music. It was the ideal setting for an unforgettable night, filled with both familiar anthems and exciting new material.

The band has been through many changes over the years, and their recent lineup update — with keyboardist Amelia Kidd and drummer Jordan Cook joining the fold — brings a new energy to their already expansive sound. But even with these changes, The Horrors still felt unmistakably themselves, retaining that unique ability to blend hypnotic rhythms and jagged guitar lines while expanding their sonic palette.

Opening with the pulsing “Whiplash’s”, the new lineup immediately showcased their tight cohesion. Kidd’s atmospheric keyboard work added a new layer of depth to the band’s evolving sound, while Cook’s drumming brought a fresh dynamism to their often intricate beats. Frontman Faris Badwan, as ever, was magnetic, his haunting vocals cutting through the crowd’s energy like a knife.

The setlist included a mix of songs, from the swirling, hypnotic groove of “Three Decades” to the angular, post-punk drive of “Mirror’s Image,” the audience was treated to a full range of the band’s musical spectrum. The epic “Machine” was a standout, building in intensity until it reached a cathartic climax. “Still Life” followed, showcasing The Horrors‘ ability to fuse beauty and darkness, the song’s melancholic atmosphere seeping into the room.

As the night progressed, the crowd’s energy only heightened with the introduction of new tracks from Night Life. Songs like “Trial by Fire” and “The Silence That Remains” resonated with the audience, who embraced the band’s new direction without hesitation. These tracks maintained the band’s signature moody vibe while exploring more electronic and experimental territory. If anything, the new songs fit seamlessly into the set, proving that The Horrors continue to evolve without losing their identity.

However, the true test of The Horrors’ resilience came during the extended version of “Sea Within a Sea.” In the midst of the track, Badwans mic unexpectedly cut out, but rather than halting the performance, the band continued playing, undeterred. What followed was a 20-minute journey into sonic chaos, with the crowd joining in, chanting and cheering as the band powered through. It was a moment of pure catharsis, with the audience’s energy and the band’s ability to improvise creating a surreal and unforgettable atmosphere. All along whilst the sound engineer tackled resolving the issue on stage.

Despite the earlier mic issue, The Horrors didn’t skip a beat. Rather than ending the show prematurely, they powered through with an encore, as if to make up for the brief disruption. The closing song, “Something to Remember Me By,” was met with loud cheers and applause, as it’s one of the band’s most beloved tracks. The crowd swayed and sang along, giving Badwan and the band a sendoff befitting of a performance that had truly come to life.

In many ways, the night encapsulated everything that The Horrors stand for: a band constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of their sound, and forming deep, unspoken connections with their audience. Night Life signals a new chapter for the band, and if this show was anything to go by, the journey is only getting more thrilling. The Horrors’ resilience in the face of technical hiccups, their ability to seamlessly weave new material into their established catalogue, and the undeniable connection they have with their fans all made for a truly unforgettable night in Glasgow. 

Article: Reanne McArthur