Hold Your Horses!

Hold Your Horses! is a French indie rock collective that emerged in the late 2000s, gaining significant international attention through their creative integration of visual arts and music.

Formed initially by Charles and Florence in London before relocating to Paris, the group expanded into a seven-piece ensemble. Their sound identity is characterized by 'chamber pop' sensibilities, utilizing a wide array of acoustic instrumentation including brass and strings to create a lush, maximalist take on indie pop. Culturally, they occupy a space between the quirkiness of the 'twee' movement and the sophisticated art-rock of the French scene. They are frequently cited for their viral music video for '70 Million,' which recreated iconic paintings, cementing their reputation as a band deeply concerned with the intersection of high art and pop accessibility. Their career arc shows a transition from stripped-back indie beginnings to a more polished, orchestrated sound on later releases like 'Grains de beauté.' Critically, they are appreciated for their ability to maintain a sense of DIY charm despite their complex arrangements and high production values.