A Gorgeous New EP Release from Conn Thorton
A brand new EP release from Conn Thornton brings out such a beautiful array of sounds and textures that create flowing atmospheres, combining dream pop with soul, heart with honesty, and not really conforming to a particular singular genre, as the songs all have something different to offer and feel authentic, cinematic, and at times very impactful.
When Bethesda Lands They'll Throw Us A Parade is the record that comes with depth. That depth not only feels personal but vast and powerful at times. It's something that you get swallowed up by and let yourself float around once you're there.
One of my favorite aspects of this record is the guitar work. The very first track that introduces you to everything is a perfect example of exactly that.
The track is called "Opening Night" and features some gorgeous guitar sections and tones as well. The guitar tone themselves have a twang to it, but it also floats and wavers with this chorus or almost tremolo style effect that adds to the twang, but also builds on the dreaminess aspect as well.
It's a guitar tone that makes me think of artists like Jeff Buckley, for example.
As the song unfolds, you have some amazing piano work that comes into play and some unique and outside-the-box style synths and pads that fill The Ether of the atmosphere and bring out this layered and almost existential feel that pulls at you.
When the vocals come through, they feel smooth. This is when a new layer and element wraps itself around you because now you start to get a feel for what the song is about as the music sets the mood and does so with a heavy hand.
There's not a lot being held back here, and this is something that I love about the record as a whole.
The following track is called "The Ballad of McKinley Park" and has a bit of a different feel, but still keeps to this flowing dreaminess, utilizing outstanding guitars and what sounds like pedal steel, bringing melodic waves into effect.
The vocals on this one feel classic to me. Like a 90s style, emotionally backed, and genuine approach, and it feels good to listen to, because at times, the vocals almost seem like they're being used as an instrument themselves.
Once again, you can hear the personal attributes in the lyrics and how they certainly came from some real place, making the record feel slightly vulnerable but in a good way.
You can quickly tell that music is a way for Conn to let out feelings, inner thoughts, and emotions, which is brilliant because that's what true artists are really all about.
This is an amazing example of something that's released without those walls built around it. Something that has a freedom to it, and you can connect with.
This comes from honesty and again, because of the eclectic and Lush soundscapes and moods that are created musically.
I love a record that you listen to and can immediately tell that a lot of attention went into the tones of the instruments so that the aesthetic of the record could come through the way it was meant to.
I absolutely fell for this release, and it pulled me in right from the first few seconds.
The final and closing track, "Heaven, I'm In Heaven", was quite a beautiful one as well, performed with grace and an elegance that showcases hints of despair but also light at the end of the tunnel.
Again, this EP is just oozing with emotion, and it comes out with an unafraid approach that makes it even more addictive.
This is also a song with a lot of amazing guitar work and piano, it builds and sort of swells with different levels of intensity as the song unfolds, and shines with personality, which this entire EP does.
This is one of the biggest and most important attributes of the entire thing. The personality is huge here, and it's so honest and real that you can't help but want more and more of it.
I found this to be quite a gorgeous record constructed with well-thought-out progressions, songwriting, tonalities, and creating an aesthetic and atmosphere that was engulfing and wonderful to swim through.
But don't just take my word for it, have a listen to this record as soon as you can, and do so with headphones on. This is one of the best ways to soak in all of these gorgeous layers that are happening through these songs.
There's a lot to go through here and a lot to soak in, so go do that now and enjoy yourself. Indulge in someone else's thoughts and world for a little bit.
You absolutely will not regret it.
