Horra - Horra

Horra

Horra
self-released; 2017

​3.6 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Horra is the combined efforts of Margo (vocals/guitar), Matthew (vocals/piano/synth) and flezadoza (guitar/bass). The band is a hodgepodge of genres that are often delivered with off-kilter humorous sensibilities. On their self-titled release Horra I enjoyed the levity in the music and it was easy to appreciate the melodies as well.

​The band opens with “Funnel Cake” which combines atmospheric synths, light  percussion, guitar and piano. The vocal delivery runs from fairly normal delivery to hyperbolic. On the next song “Necks” the mood is almost ominous. The lyrics are basically about how they hate snakes. 

A clear highlight was “Pencil Me In” mainly because the song has a very infectious chorus. The vocals mimic a sing-along. The other thing that I appreciated was the instrumentation. It’s quite subtle but also detailed. You can miss some of it if you focus too much on the lyrics.

“Shwarma” is atmospheric and feels like it’s over before it ever really gets going while it slowly grows into an offbeat celebrations of sorts. The closer “Big Black Curtain” is a bit melancholy at times and is also another highlight. Perhaps the catchiest moment on the EP is during the chorus of this song. He sings, “One thing is for sure / It is uncertain / Nothing is secure / Life's a big black curtain.” The song is also the most emotionally resonant.

Horra isn’t a full out comedy troupe. The songs have flashes of humor but nothing is overly silly or funny to the point where you should find yourself laughing out loud. The delivery at times is what feels comedic. 

Horra is an interesting group. I’m not sure they are fully dialed in on what they are going for but you can hear it starting to form. One thing I do know is they are at the best when they write catchy, fun and memorable melodies. It works with their style.

This was a fun EP overall. This is a group that could go in a couple different directions on their next release. Keep your eye on them.

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