Hey, do you yearn for a laid back, minimalistic album that doesn’t compromise on the substance? Well boy do we have something for you!
Presenting Horma, all the way (or nearby, depending on your geographical location) from beautiful Spain, a band who strike up an extreme balance of whispers, delicate finger work and gentle percussion allowing for some satisfyingly heavy tones and playfulness to burst through.
At times Gutiziak sounds like a jam session with little thought behind the writing, but each song will twist its dynamic, often offering some thoroughly enjoyable melodies or tightly restrained use of effects. Horma prove the control they have over the sound at all times, the only disappointment being when Orro rings to a close and you are left wishing for a few more tracks to sweep you up.
The experimental nature provides us with very basic structures that just let the music flow, almost too loosely, resulting in no real standout tracks but plenty of moments across the short run time that keep you listening intently. There isn’t anything ground breaking attempted by Horma, but what they deliver is exceptionally well crafted.
I almost wanted to say that the band were post-shoegaze, despite being more easily described as atmospheric art rock, but listening to their debut album (both are “name your price” on BandCamp, by the way) it feels incredibly fitting after hearing their progression from that 80s indie style. Regardless, Horma are difficult to not recommend.
Gutiziak is a very quiet and relaxing experience that begs to be played loud. It’s safe to say, this album is a much needed calm before the storm we have to write about next…
Jake Hancke – 01/03/2024
Gutiziak is available on BandCamp
You can find more on Horma at Instagram, and maybe somewhere else, I couldn’t find them 😦
The Cauteriser 
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