Yeah nah yeah, I must be living under a rock, because before BODIES, I had not heard of Thornhill in any way, shape, or form; and gosh.. What a band!
Being their third studio album (and most ambitious release to date), BODIES is an intricately prepared and crafted feast for the sonic palette. Not wasting any time, the album kicks off with a killer bass groove and soon thereafter, the listener is stuck into something akin to an industrial pressure cooker, fueled by black electricity and hydrothermal vents.
Revolver starts off slightly softer, though it soon opens up into what I can best describe as down-tuned, meaty, break beaty goodness. I have no idea what to expect next and I can’t quite pin down their sound, which is a good thing! Heavy rhythms, fat tones, insane drumming – I really like this..
The writing is familiar and it feels like I’ve known and loved this band for a long time; at the same time, it is unique and I can confidently say that I’ve never heard anything quite like it.
The breakdowns are immense, the grooves are infectious, and the songwriting is savage. The spectrum of influence I can hear coming from these sorcerers is broad, to say the least – from nu metal and metalcore, to math and prog – and it’s all done so very tastefully.
TONGUES is one of the singles they released in anticipation for BODIES, and it’s an obvious choice with its groove-laden and melodious, yet badass attitude. The band also has some truly evocative lyrics, confronting difficult, but important themes – Silver Swarm for example explores the “chaotic manipulation and push-pull of toxic relationships”.
It’s terribly difficult to pick which tracks to say something about, because honestly; there are no weak contenders here. Every track is pumping! My personal favourite is probably nerv – I was blown away by the groove and pure flavour of this track. It’s nasty and heavy, with lovely, melodious moments. The breakdown though! It. Just. Kept. Going. HARDER! The way they blend electronic and organic sounds is masterful. The songwriting in itself is sensational; and the recording, as well as production is of a stellar quality.
This has honestly been one of the most enjoyable albums I’ve heard this year. Fresh, interesting, accessible, and undeniably based – these dudes from down under certainly know how to get low. They will be travelling across the pond for their first North American tour, kicking off in Los Angeles on the 11th of April 2025. Keep an ear on these okes; they are bound to make many more waves.
“Dwell in Darkness. Live in Light.”
-Lunis Voidbright-
