Ever since the British Isles got their hands on synthesizers, they’ve invoked a particular brand of moody ambiance through their keys. From the groundbreaking work of Brian Eno to the nocturnal street hymns of Massive Attack, UK artists have a rare ability to create electronic music that feels both cutting-edge and nostalgically rich in tone.
The Leed-based collective HONESTY continues this tradition with style on their debut album, U R HERE. Drawing from elements of Burial and the sonic density of shoegaze titans My Bloody Valentine, it’s fair to say this album is a total vibe—one that I can’t get enough of.
Consisting of George Mitchell (formerly of Eagulls), producer Matt Peel (who runs The Nave Studios in Leeds), Josh Lewis, and Imi Marston, HONESTY has steadily built buzz since their debut single dropped in September 2023. In fact, I could barely squeeze into their January 2024 show in the Netherlands, thanks to the buzz surrounding that first single. So, does the hype live up to expectations? That’s a resounding yes from me.
Their live shows, bolstered by a chaotic visual assault, left me curious to see how their songs would translate in an album format. The result is a taut 10-track selection that marries danceable rhythms with menacing post-punk undertones. Despite featuring collaborations with Kosi Tydes, Softlizard, Rarelyalways, Florence Shaw, and Liam Bailey, U R HERE maintains a remarkable cohesion from start to finish.
There are echoes of UNKLE’s guest-heavy debut Psyence Fiction here, but where DJ Shadow’s vintage samples elevated that album, HONESTY’s beats are far more contemporary and immediate. The slow build of the opener, “NO RIGHT 2 LOVE,” which transitions into glitchy dance beats and euphoric waves of sound, perfectly sets the mood.
Later, the collective ups the ante with the electroclash jam “MEASURE ME.” It’s a song that’ll have any listener in their 30s grabbing for their glitter and glow sticks once more. The title track is another fascinating sonic departure. Here, HONESTY opens with a sparse piano that recalls Radiohead’s Kid A era. Meanwhile, the lyrics similarly deal with modern anxiety. It’s a beautifully haunting five minutes that showcases the group’s focus on atmospherics above all else.
The goth-tinged title “NIGHTWORLD” actually turns out to be the album’s most traditionally sounding club number. Sure, it’s still dripping with post-punk miserablism and spooky sounds, but the groove is undeniable. Three and a half minutes of existential dance music that I’m sure will get plenty of love on BBC6 Music. As first impressions go, HONESTY absolutely hit the bullseye.
U R HERE is perfectly balanced and precisely the right length. HONESTY has created a project that pays homage to the past while firmly embracing the present moment. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a crossover album that blends genres and ideas with this level of skill. May the ravers, rockers, and indie brethren unite under the HONESTY flag. I can’t wait to see what they do next.