BODIES

Following 2022’s ARIA-nominated *Heroine*, Thornhill’s third studio album finds the Melbourne quartet doubling down on stark contrasts and adventurous dynamics. On the single “Nerv,” Jacob Charlton contributes some of his most soaring vocals to date while still punctuating the track with cathartic bouts of screaming. Then, the following “Obsession” applies fluid layering around Nick Sjögren’s prominently distorted basslines, only for “Crush” to explore warped keyboard melodies and soft, distant singing in a manner closer to alt-R&B than alt-metal. That’s just one section of seesawing modes here, all delivered with a dreamy depth of field that evokes shoegaze at times. There are more pronounced electronic elements on “Silver Swarm”—one of several songs about the toll of an unhealthy relationship—but the players still come in hard and heavy when the time is right. Likewise, Charlton’s singing on the album ranges from rap-like tightness to more melodic expression and a gnarled roar as needed. That makes *Bodies* an engrossing showcase for Thornhill’s range and intensity alike.

Australian ragers Thornhill make alt. metal sexy again on enticing third LP, BODIES.

Dan McHugh reviews the latest effort from Aussie metalcore outfit Thornhill. Read the review of 'BODIES' here on Distorted Sound!