Label: REX Records
Released: 1st February 2019
Rating: ★★★★
Brighton’s Thyla come through resilient on debut EP, ‘What’s On Your Mind’.
The four-piece are celestial on the twinkling and soaring dream pop of opener ‘Only Ever’, which feels massive. The most upbeat track on the EP follows, in the paradoxical indie pop of ‘Blue’. Vocalist/guitarist Milli sings lyrics of anxiety “have you ever been a victim of your own mind”, while elsewhere chimes of pop melodies give life and a sense of hope. Her soft vocals combat with sharp instrumentation in an ambitious chorus. ‘Bitter’ drudges in lo-fi vocals and fuzzy dark shoegaze, and splutters of synths create apprehensive layers. This dark mood filters through on the staggering hypnosis of the nightmarish ‘Candy’, and the EP ends on the heartfelt and stripped back ‘Better Me’.
‘What’s On Your Mind’ has defeated its demons through a potent concoction of ethereal dream pop and agitated grunge, and has come out stronger on the other side.
