The Horrors
Strange House
Label: Stolen Transmission
Release Date: May 15, 2007

“Psychotic Sounds for Freaks and Weirdos” - that’s the adopted theme of the five-piece horror-themed garage rock band from the U.K. who go by the name of the Horrors.

The group’s anarchistic, organized chaos comes to life on their new album, Strange House. Opening with a cover of Screaming Lord Sutch’s “Jack the Ripper” does the album a great disservice. The White Stripes have claimed it and do it much better. We say, stick with what you do best.

And apart from the opening track, Strange House is a refreshing yet irrational, frenzied experiment into the neurosis of rock and rock deliria.

Check out “Thunderclaps,” “Count in Fives” and “Little Victories” as proof points that schtick and psychosis can and will save garage rock.

The Horrors : “Count in Fives” (stream, mp4 video)

Although they recently cancelled off the BRMC tour, you can catch the Horrors at Minneapolis’ Triple Rock Social Club on June 15.