Horsegirl Discusses New Album and Empowering Femininity
Critics have often focused on Horsegirl’s youth, with their breakout album Versions of Modern Performance being written when the members were in high school. Some reviews used terms like “infancy” and “inexperience” to describe their music, indicating surprise that three Gen Z teens could draw inspiration from ’80s and ’90s college radio rock. Despite the acclaim, there was an underlying tone of condescension, but the band remains undeterred.
Drummer Gigi Reese, at 22, shared in an interview that they have had to learn how to navigate the critiques and comments about them as they read everything written about the band. This scrutiny can affect how they perceive themselves and their work. Their rapid rise sparked by their debut prompted the release of their sophomore album, Phonetics On and On. This new record is a shift from the noisy feedback-filled tracks of their previous work, delving into minimalism while incorporating pop hooks and lyrical vulnerability.
While most indie-rock bands would have capitalized on the success of their first record, Horsegirl decided to take a step back and take a breath. Guitarist Nora Cheng and bassist Penelope Lowenstein enrolled at NYU to pursue English degrees, prioritizing their personal growth alongside their musical journey. This deliberate approach was shaped by their parents’ protective nature when they signed with Matador Records at 17 and 18 years old. Despite the cautious upbringing, it has instilled in them a sense of self-protection and support for each other.
Horsegirl’s deliberate pace allowed them to experiment and create new tracks, with Lowenstein even admitting to forgetting at times that she was in a band. The periods of normalcy away from their rockstar personas during college enabled them to approach their music from a fresh perspective, resulting in a deeper emotional connection in their lyrics. The band’s move to New York has further inspired introspective tracks like “Julie,” reflecting on the uncertainties of growing up and transitioning into adulthood.
Embracing the mentoring of Welsh musician and producer Cate Le Bon, their new album showcases a sense of play and discovery in the studio. Le Bon’s avant-garde influence can be heard throughout the record, pushing the band to break away from simply laying down tracks for documentation’s sake. The trio’s matured sound in Phonetics On and On showcases their evolution beyond the need for loudness to establish their presence in the industry. Tracks like “2468” and “In Twos” experiment with punk elements, utilizing silence and clean guitars to create a powerful, unnerving tension.
Despite their growth, Horsegirl retains an essence of their childlike perspective in their music, visuals, and approach to playing. They continue to draw inspiration from basic chords learned in childhood, infusing their songs with playful elements like “la-la-la” and whimsical visuals reminiscent of children’s books. As Horsegirl navigates their musical journey, their youthful spirit remains intact as they carve out their unique place in the indie rock world.