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Horsegirl Announce New Album ‘Phonetics On and On’

Unveil an evocative video for their lead single, "2468," showcasing the band’s experimental artistry and creative evolution.

Horsegirl, the New York-via-Chicago trio of Nora Cheng, Penelope Lowenstein, and Gigi Reece have announced their highly anticipated sophomore album, Phonetics On and On, set for release on February 14th 2024. Alongside the announcement, the band has shared the lead single, "2468," accompanied by a video directed by Eliza Callahan and choreographed by Alexa West.

Produced by Cate Le Bon and recorded at Chicago’s The Loft, the album marks a bold evolution for Horsegirl. Building on the momentum of their critically acclaimed debut, Versions of Modern Performance (2022), the new record sees the band exploring the boundaries between pop, minimalism, and experimental soundscapes. Phonetics On and On incorporates a variety of new instruments, including violins, synths, and gamelan tiles, with a confident simplicity that highlights their evolving songwriting.

The past two years have brought significant change for Horsegirl. After relocating to New York City in late 2022, Cheng and Lowenstein began attending NYU, marking the first time the band had written outside Penelope’s parents’ basement. Despite this shift, the trio’s creative bond remained intact. Returning to Chicago during the winter of January 2024, the band embraced an atmosphere of focus and intimacy, crafting songs that reflect their growth while maintaining their core identity.

Lead single "2468" showcases Horsegirl’s adventurous approach. With Raincoats-inspired violin parts and motorik percussion, the track builds into a hypnotic crescendo. Written and reworked primarily in the studio, the song embodies the spontaneity and experimentation at the heart of the album.