Horsegirl - “Billy"

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…SASAMI, My Bloody Valentine, Cherry Glazerr

Complex songwriting meets shoegaze rock meets dream pop on Horsegirl’s introductory singles, a swirl of sound able to either hypnotize or pulverize on a dime. Powerfully constructing their songs with layers of feedback, Horsegirl tend to hide the subtle power-pop songwriting underneath, albeit their’s is normally slowed down somewhere between dirge and mid-tempo rock. Using two vocalists, Horsegirl often sing different melodies concurrently, adding to the lulling setting where these songs live. The fact that Horsegirl are able to take these different pieces and form them into memorable indie rock songs is impressive, a thoughtful expression whether on the breezy, jangly “Sea Life Sandwich Boy” or grunge-pop verses of “Billy”. They assemble songs like post rock musicians, layering sounds that often builds to an epic coda. The Chicago band are the definition of “one to watch” with only four songs released heading into SXSW 2022 so far, so looking forward to what a full set of this exciting, emerging band can accomplish. (Kevin McStravick)