ALBUM REVIEW: "Bardo State" by Horrorshow

Western Sydney hip hop duo Horrorshow's fourth full length Bardo State is bursting with the kind of confidence that only comes from nine years of writing and performing with your best friend. The first two Horrorshow records felt like diary entries from rapper Solo with the musical landscapes painted by producer Adit; they were quietly content to go about their own business without worrying too much about anything else. 2013's King Amongst Many took a turn towards a slightly more pop orientated sound, like the duo were moving out of the western suburbs and into the bigger surrounding world, and Bardo State expands even further outwards. That is the most notable thing about Bardo State; bar a couple of exceptions ("Cherry Blossom" being the biggest exception) there is little to none of the rough around the edges charm and simplicity of the early Horrorshow records. This is likely going to turn off some fans of the older sound, but you have to remember - those albums still exist, they haven't disappeared. You can still listen to the old Horrorshow whenever you want; a group deciding to move forwards doesn't discount all they've done up to that stage. In Horrorshow's case it feels more like a progression over time than a sharp change in direction, and for the most part it works really well.
It only took a few songs to get used to the change in sound, and from then on I realised that they were still making catchy songs with smart lyrics and great hooks. I guess Bardo State is the album that makes the most sense at this stage in the duo's nine year trajectory, and fits snugly into a tight discography of solid albums without breaking too far away from the Horrorshow formula.

Favourite Tracks: Eat The Cake, Cherry Blossom and If You Know What I Mean

Least Favourite Track: Never Say Never

Rating: B

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