[ALBUM REVIEW] THORNHILL - ‘BODIES’ LP.
Author: Mal Keecher
Image: via UNFD
A spark ignites this eleven-track LP with an immersive combustion of 'Diesel' and it’s full speed ahead, with a high octane opening of bass, drums and vocalist Jacob Charlton screeching with sharp emphasis and urgency. It's fast, relatively short at just over two minutes’ run-time and loud. The track seamlessly blends into the aptly-titled 'Revolver', which also hits hard and highlights Thornhill's knack for producing solid tracks of Melbourne metalcore mania. This is surely another one for the live circuit, and to quote the lyrics–"there's nothing you can do about it." And - perhaps as an enigmatic nod to the aural journey ahead - Charlton further emotes "I'll place you right back where you started."
'Silver Swarm' is a headbanging hellraiser like a silver bullet that is propelled by the preceding ‘Revolver’. It ejects with an intensity that demands attention from its’ outset all the way to the end. 'Silver Swarm' does have a lull around the two-minute mark, with pulsating electro beats interspersed with hushed vocal tones. However, it's mostly infected with highly contagious, heavy-laden grooves that force the listener to move and sway with enthused refrain. With accentuating drums, it swarms the senses as a barrage of ballistic weaponry. A sonic sledgehammer to the senses. It's no surprise at all that this is the current single from Bodies, with its’ accompanying Blade movie aesthetics and overall vibe.
If you have not yet heard ‘Silver Swarm’– here it is:
'Only Ever You' begins with crunchy guitar, while bringing the intensity down as Charlton’s Vox Studio-trained vocals are showcased. This is another high-quality song, brimming with emotive tones. It concludes with “I never felt this way”, echoing my personal thoughts on Thornhill’s evolution and growth with respect to their overall sound and production.
'Fall Into The Wind' is solid, just like the rest of this eleven track LP, and marks the middle of the record. Charismatic and clean guitar serves as an interlude of ninety hypnotic seconds. That occurs right before the onslaught of 'Tongues' that severs the soothing sounds with jarring screams placed with sniper-like precision for maximum effectiveness.
'Nerv' is even heavier. This track really shakes up the neurons, with impassioned heaviness resounding and rebounding. Charlton and band have produced yet another charging, high-quality banger, with its’ nerve-rattling intensity and soaring vocals.
'Obsession' is heavy again; however, it does seem to traverse the line of potentially melding three tracks into one elongated progressive metalcore track. This one conjures up images of The Butterfly Effect, Charlton's high notes set against the heavy cohesion of Thornhill making this track one worth obsessing over. This album's production value is top-tier, and all band members have evidently markedly contributed to its’ overall proficient feel.
Kudos to this album's Mercury Award-nominated and acclaimed Japanese record producer/engineer Shuta Shinoda. His official site notes that "he has worked with artists such as Hot Chip, Alexis Taylor, Spiritualized, Daughter, GhostPoet, Anna Meredith, and Jehnny Beth." (https://www.shutashinoda.co.uk/)
'Crush' brings forth an altogether-different sound from the rest of the record, as it initiates a sense of pacified ease. Charlton again highlights this via his diverse vocal abilities. This one is a welcome relief from the relentless onslaught, with a downturn in tempo without compromising quality.
'Under The Knife' turns the page to inject a little more of what Thornhill have become known for, this one varies with mesmeric sounds to more traditional metalcore. 'For Now' is a subdued track with clean vocals that captures Thornhill's more soothing side, with Charlton poignantly emoting that “I hope that you would think twice, one day you’ll open your eyes, I never quit you.”
4/5 Stars.
Bodies is out via UNFD April 4 2025.
THORNHILL - ARTIST LINKS:
Click Here for Thornhill’s Komi.io profile, containing links to:
Artist Pages (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Apple Music, Spotify, Merch Site)
Bodies Album Pre-Order/Pre-Save Links
Upcoming US Tour Dates
Embedded Streaming Platform
Email Newsletter Sign-Up
and more!
LABEL LINKS:
ISC Socials: