Chicago-based indie rock band Horsegirl has swiftly carved out a unique space in the world of music since their formation in 2018. Comprising guitarist and vocalist Penelope Lowenstein, guitarist and vocalist Gigi Reece, and drummer and vocalist Nora Cheng, the trio blends elements of shoegaze and rock into a sound that feels at once familiar and refreshingly innovative.
Their latest album, Phonetics On and On, marks a bold evolution in their musical journey, with a collection of tracks that intentionally strip down their sound, scaling back to a more playful yet deeply introspective melody. Breaking away from distorted riffs and their 90s rock revival, the trio moves onto something different.
The first track, “Where’s You Go?” kicks off the album with a sharp guitar and a fast, rhythmic drum, and even includes a brief but powerful guitar solo as a welcome to the project. Throughout, we hear some of Horsegirl’s iconic punk style guitar but also get a taste of what is to come with some acoustic songs and reflective lyrics. The album concludes with the track, “I Can’t Stand To See You,” which hosts a similar upbeat vibe, leaving listeners with the same care-free sound they began with.
This album’s standout feature is its usage of vocal riffs; there is not a single song present on the album without an “ooh,” “da,” “or “doo.” This is a purposeful choice that is discussed later in the song “Information Content,” where the lyrics, “I’m translating my talk to tones,” are sung. This additionally builds on the theme of phonetics introduced in the title of the album. In this sense, Phonetics On and On isn’t just a reflection of musical growth; it’s a meditation on the power of sound and human connection—how we use our voices, how we choose to listen, and how meaning is derived from what is unsaid.
The trio, having debuted their first album as high school students and hoping to be heard, leaned heavily into the punk rock scene. Now, three years later, Horsegirl sets down
this vision and takes on playful experimentation, pushing more of an indie rock tune towards their audience. This nearly 37-minute-long album is refreshing and magnetic, receiving
a rating of 4/5 stars.
Horsegirl hits the road for their New England tour this month for the debut of their sophomore album, Phonetics On and On.