It's been over thirty years since the iconic three-piece band Nirvana burst onto the mainstream scene with their intense distortion and irresistibly catchy tunes. Few guitar bands have reached that level of fame since then. However, examining today's UK musical landscape, there's a hint of youthful energy in the atmosphere.
The Northampton trio thistle. draws inspiration from grunge pioneers with their mix of melody and distortion. Their debut EP ‘it’s nice to see you stranger’ traverses hardcore, lo-fi, and alt-rock, showcasing a contemporary vibe that resonates with the younger demographic. "As long as people feel angry and disempowered, there will always be a place for hardcore and other politically charged forms of art... we need to avoid more apathy,” states bassist/vocalist Judwyn Rushton.
Formed two years ago from a previous punk project, the band, which is now signed to Venn Records, boasts a wide array of influences that lend an intriguing quality to their music. From Pavement to Caroline Polachek, they blend melody and deeper introspection into their rougher sound. Throughout the EP, themes of growth from past mistakes emerge in guitarist/lead vocalist Cameron Godfrey’s lyrics. “While writing these songs, I was undergoing significant life changes, which I think has come through in the lyrics,” he shares. “Previously, I focused on things that frustrated me. Now, I've found I'm not angry about much. This more vulnerable writing style hasn’t come easily to me, but expressing these emotions and memories has helped me release a lot I've been holding onto."
The track ‘wishing coin’ exemplifies this concept. Its tense, sparse guitar lines accompany lyrics about severing ties with obstacles that impede the pursuit of dreams. The EP's title track mirrors this sentiment, while ‘fleur rouge’ allows for more melodic elements to shine, highlighting the band's alt-rock inclinations and their seemingly effortless songwriting process. “We practice weekly and almost always create something new,” remarks Judwyn. “This track came together really quickly. We largely composed the entire project by improvising in a circle. It felt so organic; blending our individual tastes to see what fit and what didn’t.”
Known for their energetic live performances, Clash catches thistle. at Moth Club on a Friday night in Hackney, alongside budding acts green star and Alphabet. The band ticks almost all the boxes on the noise band checklist: guitars slung low, eyes cast down, and an unrelenting wave of feedback... forgetting to bring earplugs (which this writer did) is a regretful mistake when experiencing thistle live. Yet, for the band, the tranquility found in immersing themselves in their music provides the greatest joy. “There are moments during a show where I completely zone out and go into autopilot, as if every worry, stress, or anxiety vanishes,” Cameron reflects. “I suppose that’s what it means to be ‘immersed in the music.’ But I’m just thrilled to be making music with two of my closest friends.”
This humility adds another checkmark to their growing success, as the band's journey appears increasingly promising. While it may still be too soon and somewhat unfair to make even tentative comparisons to Nirvana for a new band, thistle. is boldly dreaming about the future. “We don’t want to repeat ourselves,” Judwyn emphasizes. “This EP is our most significant work to date; it’s engaging, and I’m proud of its diversity while maintaining cohesiveness.”
‘It’s nice to see you stranger’ is now available through Venn Records.
Words: Jamie Wilde
Photo Credit: Briony Graham-Rudd
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It's been over thirty years since a particular three-member band known as Nirvana burst into the mainstream with their intense distortion and passionate sound.