Horsegirl‘s ‘Phonetics on and On‘: A Sonic exploration of Change and self-Finding
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Chicago’s indie-rock trio Horsegirl opens their second album, phonetics On and On, with a compelling question. On the upbeat track “Where’d You Go?,” singer-guitarist Penelope Lowenstein poses the titular query, promptly answered by singer-guitarist Nora Cheng: “Far, far, far away.”
This relocation reflects the band’s own journey. No longer high schoolers, the members left Chicago for college, leaving behind the city’s vibrant youth music scene.
Drummer Gigi Reece, the oldest of the three, remains in Chicago, pursuing her interests in zine-making while awaiting her bandmates’ graduation.Meanwhile, Lowenstein and Cheng, now immersed in their English majors at New York University, have found inspiration in linguistics, transforming their studies into a sonic exploration on their new album.
Phonetics On and On acts as a sonic portrayal of this transition, capturing the freedom, uncertainty, and change inherent in such a notable life shift. Lowenstein and Cheng share vocal duties, singing about the awkwardness of young love (“Well I Know You’re Shy”
) and the complexities of adulthood (“In Twos”
), all within the cryptic framework of a heavily redacted diary. The album features peculiar characters, such as a welder repairing a pipe or a shepherd driving a flower truck for its pleasant aroma.
Despite their relocation and evolving musical landscape, Horsegirl retains a sense of familiarity. Their lyrics hint at Gen X-esque realities: waking up to the radio, the formality of shaking hands upon parting. While never lacking confidence, their lyrical style presents a deliberate ambiguity.This opacity, though, is a key element of the album’s charm, inviting listeners to actively engage with the music and decipher its meaning.
The band’s use of non-lexical vocables like “do” and “fa la la” is not merely harmonic filler, but a conscious deconstruction of language. This is exemplified in “Information Content,” which serves as a guide to the album’s overall approach. Cheng explains her approach: “I’m translating my talk to tones,”
encouraging listeners to create their own interpretations or simply appreciate the sonic spaces. This is further emphasized by the repetitive vocalization: “All you got’s ahoo ahoo ahoo/’Cause all I give’s ahoo ahoo ahoo.”
Horsegirl’s debut album, versions of Modern Performance, garnered meaningful critical acclaim, largely due to the band’s insightful study of indie rock legends and lesser-known 90s bands, even featuring Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo and Steve Shelley. While signed to Matador Records, Phonetics on and On showcases a shift towards a softer, twee sound reminiscent of Flying Nun, Electrelane, and Stereolab. Tracks like “Frontrunner,” with its country twang over acoustic strumming, and “Switch Over,” with its radiant vocal melodies, highlight a newfound appreciation for classic songwriters such as Bob Dylan and Al Green.
Horsegirl continues to demonstrate a deep understanding of music history, yet their musical influences are seamlessly integrated, never feeling derivative. Their sophomore album is a testament to their artistic growth and a compelling exploration of change, self-discovery, and the power of sonic ambiguity.
Expert Analysis: unpacking the Sonic Landscape of ‘Phonetics On and On’
We spoke with Dr. Emma Sinclair, a renowned music critic and expert on indie-rock evolution, to gain deeper insights into Horsegirl’s latest work.
Q: What makes Horsegirl’s ‘Phonetics On and On’ stand out as a pivotal artistic statement?
Dr. Emma Sinclair: Horsegirl’s ‘Phonetics On and On’ is a testament to the profound artistic evolution that indie-rock can undergo.This album is not just a continuation of their debut, Versions of Modern Performance, but a transformative journey into new soundscapes and thematic depths. Their integration of linguistics into their music showcases an innovative approach to storytelling.This evolution mirrors their personal life changes—from high schoolers to college students—capturing the essence of transition and growth. Key takeaway: This album exceeds expectations by blending familiar indie-rock elements with groundbreaking sonic experimentation.
Q: How does Horsegirl balance their influences from iconic 90s bands with their own unique sound?
Dr. Emma Sinclair: Horsegirl masterfully strikes a balance by honoring their influences while forging a distinct identity. Their engagement with 90s indie legends like Sonic Youth is apparent, yet ‘phonetics On and On’ steps away into a softer, more twee territory reminiscent of bands from the Flying Nun label. For instance,tracks like “Frontrunner” and “Switch over” highlight their graceful nod to classic singer-songwriters such as Bob Dylan and Al Green. Yet, they never lose their originality, proving that true creativity lies in reimagining rather than replicating. Their selective incorporation of past influences without becoming derivative is a hallmark of mature artistry.
Q: Can you elaborate on the thematic elements and lyrical ambiguity present in ‘phonetics On and On’?
Dr. Emma Sinclair: Central to ‘Phonetics On and On’ is the embrace of lyrical ambiguity, inviting listeners to actively engage in interpreting its meaning. The album’s cryptic storytelling—through unfamiliar characters and redacted diary-like narratives—captures the awkwardness and complexities of young adulthood. Songs like “Well I Know You’re Shy” and “In Twos” emphasize young love’s nuances through abstract imagery. The use of non-lexical vocables, as in “Details Content,” further invites listeners into soundscape exploration without the constraints of conventional language. This openness enhances the listener’s experience, fostering a unique personal relationship with the music.
Q: What does the shift in their musical landscape reveal about Horsegirl’s growth as musicians and artists?
Dr. Emma Sinclair: Horsegirl’s musical journey from their debut to ‘Phonetics On and On’ illustrates their artful growth and widening creative scope. The shift towards a more melodic and introspective sound highlights their exploration beyond the high-energy influences of their earlier work. Their willingness to delve into linguistics and sonics displays an intellectual curiosity that enriches their music’s thematic essence.This evolution indicates their readiness to embrace uncertainty and change with artistic sophistication. each song on the album serves as a milestone in their artistic maturation, portraying both vulnerability and confidence.
Q: How will ‘Phonetics On and On’ influence the indie-rock genre moving forward?
Dr. Emma Sinclair: ‘Phonetics on and On’ promises to spark a renewed interest in blending intellectual themes with indie-rock. By illustrating how academic pursuits can intersect with music, Horsegirl sets a precedent for future bands to explore similar cross-disciplinary creativity. Their adventurous tonal landscapes and lyrical depth suggest a future where indie-rock narratives transcend typical frameworks. The impact could be widespread, encouraging a generation of artists to similarly redefine boundaries. This album’s unique blend of youthful themes and sonic dexterity might become a touchstone for contemporary indie-rock innovation.
Dr.Sinclair concludes that Horsegirl’s ‘Phonetics On and on’ is a pioneering work that reshapes indie-rock expectations while retaining a charming familiarity. Its exploration of personal and musical growth through layered sounds invites listeners to experience indie-rock in a refreshingly new way.
The Transformative Power of Change: Delving into HorsegirlS ‘Phonetics on and On’
The indie-rock scene is abuzz with anticipation as Horsegirl unveils their sophomore album,Phonetics on and on. This sonic masterpiece explores transformation, self-revelation, and the art of ambiguity in music. What’s stirring isn’t just the lyrical storytelling but the profound shift in sound that mirrors the band members’ own life changes. As they navigate adolescence into adulthood against the backdrop of linguistic influences, Phonetics on and On intriguingly captures this metamorphosis. We speak with Dr. Roland Marks, a music historian and expert on indie-rock, to uncover the album’s depths.
Interview with Dr. Roland Marks on Horsegirl’s ‘Phonetics on and On’
Senior Editor,world-today-news.com: Horsegirl’s Phonetics on and On is touted as a crucial pivot in their artistic journey. What makes this album a pivotal work in indie-rock today?
Dr. Roland Marks: Phonetics on and On stands out as a remarkable testament to emotional and artistic growth within the indie-rock genre.Where does such artistry come from? Through their integration of linguistic themes, Horsegirl not only redefines storytelling within their songs but also showcases how personal evolution—like moving from the familiarity of Chicago to the complexities of adult college life in new York—can profoundly influence an artist’s work. The album goes beyond expectations by blending familiar indie-rock elements with innovative sonic experimentation that captures the essence of personal metamorphosis.
senior Editor, world-today-news.com: How does Horsegirl balance their nods to 90s indie legacies while maintaining a unique sound on this album?
Dr.Roland Marks: Horsegirl successfully marries their deep reverence for iconic bands like Sonic Youth with their emerging voice. They nod to this legacy through tracks reminiscent of the softer, more reflective tunes of the Flying Nun label—an embrace of both the past and their individual artistic identity. For instance, songs like “Frontrunner” and “Switch Over” beautifully pay homage to legendary songwriters like Bob Dylan and Al Green. Yet,Horsegirl never loses their distinctive flair,showcasing that true creativity flourishes in reimagining the past rather than replicating it. Their artistry resonates as both homage and innovation, creating a balance that is both respectful and forward-thinking.
Senior Editor,world-today-news.com: The lyrical ambiguity of Phonetics on and On intrigues many listeners. Can you delve into its thematic elements and lyrical ambiguity?
Dr. Roland Marks: absolutely. At the heart of Phonetics on and On lies an embrace of lyrical ambiguity, which encourages listeners to participate actively in interpreting its meaning. Through cryptic narratives and non-lexical vocables, like those heard in “Details Content,” the album invites exploration into uncharted sonic landscapes, free from conventional language constraints. Songs such as “Well I know You’re Shy” and “in Twos” introduce themes of youthful love and adult complexity through abstract imagery and reframed realities. This openness allows listeners to create a personalized connection with the music, enhancing their overall experience by forging unique interpretations.
Senior Editor, world-today-news.com: How does the shift in their musical landscape on Phonetics on and On reflect Horsegirl’s growth as musicians and artists?
Dr. Roland Marks: The evolution observed from Horsegirl’s debut to Phonetics on and On highlights their artistic maturation and broader creative exploration. The transition towards a more melodic and introspective sound punctuates their journey from initial high-energy influences to a complex embrace of musical uncertainty and complexity. Their venture into linguistic and sonics displays intellectual curiosity, intertwining academic pursuits with their musical endeavors. This progression suggests a readiness to navigate life’s uncertainties with artistic sophistication, where each song signifies a milestone of vulnerability and confident expression.
Senior Editor, world-today-news.com: What impact might Phonetics on and On have on the future direction of indie-rock?
Dr. Roland Marks: Phonetics on and On heralds a new era for indie-rock,illustrating how intellectual themes can intersect with musical creativity. By blending academia with artistry, Horsegirl sets a precedent for future bands to explore cross-disciplinary innovation. The album’s adventurous tonal landscapes and layered narratives suggest a future where indie-rock storytelling transcends traditional frameworks. It paves the way for contemporary artists to redefine genre boundaries,possibly establishing this work as a cornerstone of musical evolution and creativity.
Horsegirl’s Phonetics on and On is more than an album—it’s a narrative of personal and artistic evolution wrapped in a tapestry of sound and ambiguity. this journey inspires listeners to delve deep into their music while inviting fellow artists to push the boundaries of genre and expression. What are your thoughts on such transformative musical experiences? Share your insights in the comments below or on social media!
This interview invites readers to engage with music’s evolving landscape, celebrating the unceasing drive for creativity and exploration.