After a little over two decades together, The Horrors are still finding new ways to evolve. The British alt-rock band recently hit their 20-year milestone following the release of their latest album Night Life– a record that leans slightly into a darker, more intimate side of their sound. With recent lineup changes reshaping the creative dynamic, along with a fresh set of songs ready for the stage, frontman Faris Badwan is looking forward rather than back. Ahead of their upcoming Australian tour, which follows a brief visit for Dark Mofo last year, I caught up with Badwan to talk about new music, the shifting lineup and what still keeps the spark alive after so long.
Firstly, congratulations on Night Life. This record came as you were approaching 20 years as The Horrors. Going into it, were you feeling particularly nostalgic and wanting to capture your earlier sound, or were you focused on moving forward and starting a new chapter?
Faris: “Most of the time a new album feels like a clean slate. I don’t really find nostalgia that inspiring when it comes to working on new projects – it’s more a case of trying to get into a fresh headspace and starting to feel the enthusiasm that comes with new possibilities. I feel like a lot of the identity of a record comes later on in the process once you’ve started to see patterns and themes emerging.”
This is the first album to not feature all five original members. How did this lineup change affect the creative dynamic?
Faris: “Rhys and I spent a lot of time together writing in his bedroom and I feel like that contributed towards the intimacy and emotional intensity of the record. Amelia’s production has a particular character that twisted some of the songs further. The next album will be more collaborative in terms of involving all the new members at the writing stage.”
How do you feel the tracks from Night Life are translating into a live setting, particularly with your new lineup?
Faris: “I love seeing the songs evolve through playing them live, it’s often quite spontaneous and hard to predict. We hadn’t played any of them through before recording so there was still room for them to morph as we started performing as a band.”
After 20 years, what still excites or scares you about making new music as The Horrors?
Faris: “Hearing a song clicking into place while being written, or the moment when someone improvises a part for the first time and adds something great, or hearing a new demo one of us has come up with – they’re all special feelings. I can’t imagine getting sick of the writing process, especially when it’s collaborative.”
You’re coming to Australia very soon for some headline shows. You were here just last year for Dark Mofo- was the decision to return so soon just a logistical/management decision or did last years’ short visit leave you wanting more?
Faris: “Dark Mofo reminded us how much we love coming to Australia, we immediately started trying to book a full tour.”
Finally, what do you hope that people are able to take away from your shows? Is there a certain feeling or experience that you’re trying to evoke?
Faris: “The intimacy of parts of Night Life create a deeper emotional connection at points… it’s part of why we’ve enjoyed the recent shows so much.”
Twenty years in, The Horrors remain driven by curiosity rather than nostalgia, and this is made apparent in Night Life. With a refreshed lineup and a new chapter unfolding, the upcoming Australian shows will surely bring a sense of spontaneity and emotional release to local crowds. For The Horrors’, it seems excitement still lies in seeing where music can take them next.
THE HORRORS
NIGHT LIFE AUSTRALIA 2026
with special guests
Friday 10th April – Princess Theatre – Brisbane
Saturday 11th April – Manning Bar – Sydney
Sunday 12th April – Northcote Theatre – Melbourne
Tuesday 14th April – Lion Arts Factory – Adelaide
Wednesday 15th April – Rosemount – Perth
For tickets & more information click HERE
