BODIES
BODIES makes its point through movement. Thornhill’s third album joins heavy, tightly controlled riffs to softer singing and electronic detail, with the bass keeping much of the music in motion. The Melbourne band’s alternative metal remains close to Deftones in places, but its best songs have enough energy and character to stand on their own.
“DIESEL” begins with a strong low-end pulse and a direct rush of guitars. It leads into “Revolver”, where harder sections share space with quieter passages and Jacob Charlton’s near-whispered vocals. That contrast is important across the album. The band can keep a rhythm heavy while allowing the voice or the surrounding textures to become softer. It gives the music a more flexible shape than a straightforward loud-quiet pattern.
The singles supply several of the strongest moments. “Silver Swarm” moves quickly between a short build and heavier impact, while “nerv” has a sharper vocal attack and busy rhythmic detail. Its close connection to “Obsession” keeps the momentum moving, with the latter placing more emphasis on a deep groove and a memorable melodic line. “Only Ever You” offers another useful balance, bringing softer verses into contact with a heavier guitar part.
Thornhill also take a few chances away from the main sound. “CRUSH” puts electronic textures and a softer pop approach in the foreground. It offers a real break, although the change can feel too abrupt beside the surrounding tracks. “under the knife” returns to heavier ground without creating quite the same clear identity as the earlier songs. Closer “For Now” leaves a more melancholy impression, giving the guitars, synths and singing room to settle.
The vocals sometimes sit so far inside the mix that individual words become difficult to follow. That choice strengthens the atmosphere, but it can also reduce the connection to the songs. Even with those limitations, BODIES is a focused and engaging record. Its combination of thick bass, strong rhythmic playing and softer melodic details gives listeners plenty to follow, especially when the band let a good groove carry the weight.
