Thornhhill breaks the mould, Miiesha adds Mirrors to the Smoke, and Michael Franti brings the love
This week, Thornhill moves with their evolution, Miiesha gets introspective, and Michael Franti & Spearhead helps us find passion and purpose
This week’s top picks:
- Thornhill – Heroine
- Miiesha – Mirrors
- Michael Franti & Spearhead – Follow Your Heart
Read all the latest music news here.
Thornhill – Heroine
Driven by odes to classic Hollywood and cinematic scores, Heroine expands upon sonic elements explored on Thornhill’s 2019 debut album The Dark Pool, with one of the group’s singles ‘Raw’ immersing into sharp alternative and rock flavours, complete with razor-sharp riffs, snarling basslines and pummeling beats.
Not satisfied with keeping still, guitarist Ethan McCann said they always wanted to expand. “I think it’s always been something on our minds that we’ve wanted to be different all the time.
“I don’t think it was ever in a way that was like, ‘I don’t want to be in a metal community,’ or ‘I don’t want to be a metal band.’ That wasn’t the case at all. It was more so about growth – and the need to keep growing, just to see where we go. We don’t know, and we’ll never know, until we get there. All we know is we’re going to enjoy the process and keep pushing ourselves.”
Jacob Charlton, Thornhill’s frontman, agrees with his bandmate. “At this point, we literally just want to write the music that we would want to listen to,” he says.
“I think that’s something we’ve achieved on this album. We definitely dipped our toes in a bunch of different things, and I think we did it well. Taking those risks is really important, because if you’re not nervous to release music or unsure of how people are going to think about it, it’s just so fucking boring.
Miiesha – Mirrors
On Mirrors, Miiesha looks back seeking emotional clarity. She still has questions but understands there may never be answers for some of them. She contemplates giving up (‘Everything’) and asks for spiritual strength (‘War’) before exploring the genesis of her pain (‘Skin Deep’).
She then vows to break the cycle of trauma (‘Still Dream’) while acknowledging the patience it takes for change (‘Ready’). The production reflects the calmer state of assessment and the hopeful process of moving towards change, the calm after the storm we heard on the Smoke EP.
The Smoke & Mirrors EP’s are written, performed and recorded by Miiesha, Stephen Collins and LUCIANBLOMKAMP.
Today also marks the start of Miiesha’s debut headline tour beginning in Sydney tonight with a sold-out show as part of Vivid LIVE.
Michael Franti & Spearhead – Follow Your Heart
Michael Franti has long been revered for his inspiring music, worldwide philanthropic efforts and the power of optimism. Deemed by NPR as “equal parts musician and activist,” Franti continues to offer opportunities for gratitude, solidarity and celebrating how we get through the greatest ups and downs of our lives with our body, mind and soul still intact with Follow Your Heart.
“One thing I learned these last couple of years is that people need people,” shares Franti. “I wrote many songs about connection, resilience and finding the light, even in the midst of all the crazy. Somewhere in there we find resilience.
“This album means so much to me. It’s my favourite album that we’ve ever done.
“It’s about how we get through this crazy time that we’re living in; how we find optimism and joy, but mainly to follow our hearts and listen to the voice inside you to find passion and purpose.”
