THORN Explore Melancholic, Heavy Soundscapes With Latest Release "Static"

"Static" is out now [photo: Thorn]

I've featured THORN before on this page, having both reviewed them and had the pleasure of interviewing them early last year. I was further delighted to see a new release from them pop up on my Spotify unannounced - joys of the void that is the social media algorithm. Thorn's latest release, "Static", builds on the atmosphere, and delivers a release that ultimately puts the band three for three.

Instantly, there is a different feel to this than the band's previous tracks. Slower, melancholic, weighted. The vocals provide a contrast to the calm soundscape, building up as the track swells. The instruments cut out, and then the anticipated release. The gentle, arpeggiated chords are replaced with a barrage of guitars and drums. Blast beats add a pulsating edge to the track, the guitars intense.

The chaos soon fades, revealing the slower soundscape beneath it. The true heaviness here is in the emotion, the pulling. As the track suggests, the sound of static sees the track out, a single, digital hum signalling the end.

[photo: Thorn]

As mentioned, there is a different feel here, but is more in line with debut single "Awake" than sophomore release "Show Me Your God", occupying a space somewhere between the two. It's a great demonstration of Thorn's technical skills, an exploration of soundscapes and dynamics. Could their next release go four for four?

"Static" is out NOW on streaming platforms