Whyte Horses at RNCM
Johnny James, Managing Editor
Leading lights of Mancunian psych-pop, Whyte Horses are performing a special hometown show at RNCM this January.
Earworm pop hooks, pastoral psychedelia and baggy-inspired guitars made up their 2016 debut album, Pop Or Not. This was released to impressive critical acclaim, winning endless support from BBC 6 Music as well as Piccadilly Records’ coveted Album of the Year Award.
The band’s sophomore record, Empty Words, was more eclectic, taking listeners on a timeless journey through soul, 60’s pop and Nouvelle Vague-esque ballads, right up to fuzzed-up psychedelic rock.
Their latest singles, which feature the likes of Gruff Rhys, La Roux and John Grant, show signs of Whyte Horses moving into an exciting new phase. Ramping up the production and catchiness without losing sight of their DIY individuality, the band’s current output is more ambitious and more wide-ranging than ever.
Described by Dom Thomas, their creative driving force, as a “fantasy mixtape”, their forthcoming album Hard Times is due for release on the 17th Jan.
The day after, the band play at RNCM, where you can expect a fusion of music and visuals that recalls everything from Andy Warhol to Brazil’s Tropicália movement. Pairing sweet naivety with thrumming darkness, they put on a captivating live show that’s sure to cut through the everyday fog of Manchester’s cruel, cruel January!
