Posts tagged the soldier thread
I have no idea why, but The Soldier Thread harbors an obsession with bulls. I do know they’re an Austin-based quintet comprised of keyboardist Justin McHugh, guitarist Todd Abels, singer Patricia Lynn, drummer Drew Vandiver and bassist Chance Gilmore. The Bull EP is the rock/pop band’s 4th release, 2nd EP and latest display of bullish bias. Their recent singles “Matador” (a.k.a. bullfighter) and “Anybody” are also worth noting.
Sounds Like:
The Killers, Blue October, Explosions in the Sky
As the opener, “No Parachutes” sets the stage well for the EP. Its ethereal keys, high-hat beat, piercing guitar and emotional vocals give you a great taste of The Soldier Thread’s rock/pop/dance style, which has reportedly been evolving nicely as of late. And the music and lyrics are fused together so seamlessly, you get the feeling of free-falling through the air—a nice thematic touch by the band.
“Would It Kill You” blares guitar arpeggios right from the start and keeps ‘em coming throughout. Fuzzy synth and bass, some lively drumming action and slightly shrieking vocals let you know they’re not f-ing around on this one. The tension is palpable, especially on the haywire bridge, as Lynn laments “You wanna know what to brace for, what to do / I wanna know, too — I do.”
Key Tracks:
No Parachutes, Pretty Bones, For You
“Pretty Bones” is easily the best song on this EP. With breathy, sexy whispers; a keyboard arpeggio hook; driving, double-duty drums and a catchy-as-hell chorus, you’d better grab this bull by the horns and hang on for dear life. It slows down for an echo-filled, whirling breakdown and comes right back for one last chorus before ending with a dirgey organ close.
Music video for “Matador” (none available for tracks from The Bull EP)
“For You” opens with just a piercing synth. Then, like an angry girl who’s “almost out of patience” pounding at your door, banging drums join in along with fuzzy guitars and distant, disillusioned vocals. If you’re not listening closely, you might easily mistake this emotional track for just another dance jam. It’s definitely worth busting a move to, and Lynn’s staccato vocal hook will likely have you singing along in step.
Best Lyric:
“All my love is made of concrete / It’s a dead weight dragging on the ground / It will build you up so high / into the sky and watch you as you drown” - “Pretty Bones”
“We’re Not Going Down” closes out the EP by letting you down slowly. It begins with a meandering, slowly building start thanks to some whirly, other-worldly synth and wandering guitar work. Lynn sings about not going down “without a fight,” although the track definitely conveys the sense that someone has been badly beaten. I suppose that’s the idea, though — that our protagonists may be almost dead, but they’re still not giving up.
Overall Rating:
The Bull EP is a good start. The Soldier Thread did right by releasing it as an EP, as I believe these songs need a tad more development. They’re headed in the right direction, and they’re finding a sound that’s unique, intriguing, emotional and ear-catching. I’d personally like to hear more storytelling in their music, but judging by the following they’re accruing here in Austin, the band is clearly onto something much more than bull.
