Horsegirl
Phonetics On And On
Matador Records [2025]
“Horsegirl trades distortion for depth, crafting an album that lingers long after the last note.”
Album Overview: Horsegirl is a trio formed by best friends Nora Cheng, Penelope Lowenstein, and Gigi Reece. Emerging from Chicago’s DIY scene, they quickly gained recognition for their raw, unfiltered approach to songwriting. Their 2022 debut, Versions of Modern Performance, introduced them as a band deeply rooted in post-punk and shoegaze influences. Since then, they’ve relocated to New York City, balancing music with academic pursuits at NYU. Despite the move, their Chicago roots remain central to their identity, shaping both their creative process and community-driven ethos. Phonetics On and On finds Horsegirl refining their sound, moving away from the murkier textures of their debut toward a more open and deliberate sonic space. Recorded at The Loft in Chicago with producer Cate Le Bon, the album embraces spontaneity, pushing the trio beyond their usual methods. Instead of layering distortion, they experiment with negative space, letting unconventional elements like violin, synth, and gamelan percussion shape the atmosphere. It’s a different record for sure, but a grower—these eleven tracks sink in deeper with every listen.
Musical Style: The album balances minimalism and experimentation, merging structured melodies with unpredictable arrangements. Horsegirl moves beyond conventional rock instrumentation, incorporating offbeat rhythms and nontraditional textures. The result is a blend of understated groove and loose, flowing song structures that feel both intimate and unrestrained. There’s a clear emphasis on space, where each note carries weight, and silence becomes as expressive as sound, all melded together by their layered vocals.
Evolution of Sound: While Versions of Modern Performance leaned on thick guitars and abstract narratives, Phonetics On and On takes a more deliberate and spacious approach. Working with Cate Le Bon encouraged the band to strip back unnecessary layers, allowing their compositions to breathe. This shift highlights a growing confidence in their ability to shape mood and movement through restraint rather than excess. Their time in New York also subtly influences the album, expanding their sonic range as they navigate new surroundings and songwriting habits.
Artists with Similar Fire: Horsegirl’s music shares qualities with the rhythmic precision of Young Marble Giants, the unfiltered energy of The Raincoats, and the atmospheric looseness of early Velvet Underground. There’s also a kinship with Dummy’s shoegaze and lo-fi aesthetic, while the strong indie rock presence of Wednesday comes through as well. At times, their post-punk revival elements—marked by quick guitar changes and moody vocals—echo THUS LOVE.
Pivotal Tracks: “2468” stands out as one of the album’s most freeform pieces, built in the studio through layered violin, shifting percussion, and dynamic movements. It only gets better with each replay. “Julie” serves as the album’s emotional core, weaving hypnotic synth drones with cutting guitar work that feels both delicate and jagged. “Frontrunner” embraces a stripped-down charm, carrying a sense of warmth through its understated yet affecting melodies. Each of these tracks showcases the band’s growth and willingness to embrace unpredictability without losing their core identity.
Lyrical Strength: Horsegirl’s lyrics capture everyday moments with an honesty that makes the ordinary feel meaningful. Whether depicting quiet mornings in “Frontrunner” or the restless creativity of youth, their words create vivid snapshots of life. Their phrasing is direct yet evocative, personal yet universal—like a collection of handwritten notes, each highlighting a different facet of growing up, finding community, and holding onto fleeting experiences.
Final Groove: Phonetics On and On is a bold step forward for Horsegirl, proving their ability to evolve while staying true to their DIY roots. By embracing space and spontaneity, they craft an album that feels both experimental and deeply personal. While it may take a few listens to fully sink in, its understated beauty and adventurous spirit make it worth the time. With their sound continuing to expand, it’s exciting to imagine where Horsegirl will go next.
HORSEGIRL REVIEW HISTORY
Versions Of Modern Performance (2022)
HORSEGIRL LINKS
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Matador Records
- Motorbike: Kick It Over [Album Review] - March 21, 2025
- Tim Easton | New Album Campaign on Kickstarter – fiREHORSE! - March 20, 2025
- Mdou Moctar: Tears Of Injustice [Album Review] - March 18, 2025