Album Review: Thyla - 'Thyla'
Thyla - the wildest indie rockers in Brighton bring us funky yet loud tunes on their new self-titled album. Now a trio after the departure of their guitarist the band have started to push forward with their roaring sound. Since forming the band have released two EPs, What’s On Your Mind in 2019 and Everything at Once in 2020.
The music the band create through this record is vibrant, catchy and full of raw electric energy. There’s a mixture of heavy and mellow as each song oozes with passion and true emotion from feelings and experiences. I can definitely see fans of the music jumping on the spot to the sweet noise they make. The tracks have honest infectious lyrics that make me want to listen on repeat, it’s the type of music I would blast in my car whilst on a road trip to somewhere exciting.
The vocals on the songs are quirky and sound beautiful alongside the rowdy instruments as this album gives off atmospheric vibes to emphasise empowerment and open-mindedness. The songs on the album are groovy with a hint of rebellion and sass from these rock chicks. The record is upbeat and cheery but also gives off that doom and gloom vibe at times.
This album is all about self-expression and finding the strength to carry on throughout all the worries and doubts that life presents us with next as we continue to face the ongoing challenges from the pandemic that resulted in the band having to delay the release of the album, nevertheless Thyla continue to show determination and resilience which shines through in the album. Thyla emphasises themselves as individuals and joyfully recalling on moments they shared at the beginning of the album and how they now see it as a progression on the journey they are all on and how it has never been more relevant to the individual who may be looking for help with whatever they’re going through.
Thyla reflects both the good times as well as the bad times as we experience a mixture of emotions. I also discovered that the album speaks of reflection, opinions and how personal approaches offer a refreshing new perspective on the world. Being vulnerable within the music on the album is what makes this record unique as well as intimate because being open about yourself is how we go about being accepted these days, Thyla is seen to be reassuring and relatable to many who feel lost and this album can be there savior to help them know they are not alone.
The opening track ‘Amber Waits’ represents scars from social media posts and this emphasises hurt and anger at society and the way people in this generation lives. This tune is loud, energetic and powerful but is also quieter and slower at times with sharp yet beautiful vocals. The lyrics don’t you need some privacy and having real friends imply people being nosey and spreading information about you that was supposed to be kept confidential and this now leaves them wondering who they can trust and who their real friends are. Being stabbed in the back is painful and I’ve experienced this first-hand myself but not everyone is spiteful and you suddenly realise they aren’t worth crying over.
Another track that stands out on the album is ‘Breathe’ as it expresses the special relationship, they share with their record label as they give them the chance to make their own decisions on the music they make, I feel the song has deeper meaning as it speaks of feeling good inside because they are finally free and are able to live life the way they want without misery. The song is soft and mellow with funky guitar rhythms, the tune represents the mood well as it is bouncy and cheery which instantly makes you feel good in yourself.
Words by Jade Morris
