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The Horrors burst onto the scene in 2007 with their own brand of bratty goth punk, before collapsing under their own hype and disappearing for a while. They then returned two years later with the majestic art-rock compilation Primary Colours, which won universal acclaim.
Third record Skying arrived in 2011 to similar plaudits, and they're now one of the best bands in the UK - something no one would have been able to predict when they were splashed on the front of the NME sporting ridiculous, hairsprayed bouffants. The question is, will fourth offering Luminous sustain their winning streak?
Opener 'Chasing Shadows' sets the wide-ranging, electronic-tinged tone, all shimmering effects that segue into an epic, atmospheric anthem which showcases Faris Badwan's languid vocals beautifully.
Bassist Rhys Webb previously declared the band wanted the album to be "music you can dance to, music that can elevate" and they've certainly achieved this with the accessible, psychedelic electro pop of tracks such as 'In And Out Of Sight' and 'I See You', on which the dub and funk the band were inspired by whilst in the studio make a subtle appearance.
Meanwhile, the explosive 'So Now You Know' is instantly identifiable as a standout track, thanks to its naggingly catchy, stadium-baiting hook and synth-led instrumental.
Elsewhere, 'Jealous Sun' slows the pace, a distortion-filled, fuzzy rock ballad which doesn't leave much of a mark. Closing tracks 'Mine and Yours' and 'Sleepwalk' are in a similar vein, but are far more memorable - they're truly songs you can lose yourself in. 'Sleepwalk' is especially notable; yearning, wistful, Faris Badwan echoes "it's over" again and again until an immersive bubble of synth-y effects and drones overwhelm him.
Luminous sees Faris Badwan and co continue to explore, experiment and mature as a band, affirm and tighten their sound and cement themselves as one of the UK's most original bands. They're clearly striving for bigger things here, and we don't doubt they'll succeed in their quest.
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