Albums to watch

Phonetics On And On

Horsegirl

Phonetics On And On

Second full-length studio release from Chicago trio produced by Cate Le Bon

ADM rating[?]

7.7

Label
Matador
UK Release date
14/02/2025
US Release date
14/02/2025
  1. 10.0 |   The Guardian

    With Cate Le Bon as producer, the Chicago indie trio’s second album is a quantum leap, full of poignant restraint and lyrical clarity
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  2. 10.0 |   Spill Magazine

    Horsegirl delivers a whole record full of bangers. Plus, it is a wonderful evolution from the band as their new sound is just as magnificent as their old sound
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  3. 9.0 |   Exclaim

    Equal parts pensive and dreamy, minimal yet expansive, Phonetics On and On is the unapologetic sound of confident experimenting, the product of three musicians years ahead of their respective ages. Horsegirl rule, and so does this record. Put it on and on (and on and on and on)
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  4. 9.0 |   All Music

    This is special, timeless music that speaks equally to the heart and the brain and it positions Horsegirl as the keepers of the indie rock flame
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  5. 8.5 |   Spectrum Culture

    Though some may see Horsegirl’s new sound as a detriment, their evolution on this sophomore release illustrates a sonic and lyric leap forward that showcases the trio’s impressive growth
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  6. 8.4 |   Paste Magazine

    On their Cate Le Bon-produced sophomore record, Phonetics On and On, the quirky Chicago-to-New York trio grow up and grow into their influences
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  7. 8.0 |   Under The Radar

    Coming early in the year, this one’s scruffy charm feels like it will age particularly well
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  8. 8.0 |   PopMatters

    With Phonetics On and On, Horsegirl move beyond their influences, carving out a distinct identity shaped through time and life experience
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  9. 8.0 |   NME

    On their second album, the Chicago band strip back the layers – sonically and lyrically – as they continue to discover their own sound and voice
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  10. 8.0 |   God Is In The TV

    Effortlessly eccentric, Horsegirl’s Phonetics On and On is best described as a sonic college; its’ scraps of sound glued together to form a unique piece of art that will prove impossible to replicate
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  11. 8.0 |   Uncut

    Even more impressive than 2022's Versions Of Modern Performance. Print edition only

  12. 8.0 |   Mojo

    In another world, Andy Warhol would want to manage them, but on this evidence, Horsegirl have pop down to an art by themselves. Print edition only

  13. 7.9 |   Northern Transmissions

    Although this album isn’t boundary-pushing by any means, it is filled with very joyful and light-hearted songs that will definitely brighten your day and make you smile, and I have to say that it is pretty nice
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  14. 7.6 |   Pitchfork

    For their second album, produced by Cate Le Bon, the New York-via-Chicago indie rockers adopt a spirit of linguistic playfulness and a newly pared-back sound
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  15. 7.0 |   Slant Magazine

    The album is the result of what happens when introverts discover the power of the guitar
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  16. 7.0 |   Far Out

    Lyrically, the album isn’t full of complex and poetic lines, but the way in which Horsegirl’s sweet and often simple words are delivered inject them with the meaning required to make them work
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  17. 6.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    Horsegirl’s songwriting isn’t distinct enough to imply any hidden tension though, and back to back sweetness becomes a little sickly. It’s no surprise that the best songs here are the meaner ones
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  18. 6.0 |   No Ripcord

    Musically, their low-stakes arrangements fail to ignite much of a spark. But occasionally, like in Where'd You Go?, they pair loose freakout solos with jittery, The Feelies-like rhythms quite capably
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  19. 4.0 |   Record Collector

    The songwriting and its deadpan delivery are still engaging but the overall feel is so understated as to be frustratingly bashful. Print edition only


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