There are probably easier ways to deal with your feelings than making an EP like 'backflip', and thistle. have never sounded particularly interested in the easy option. The Manchester band’s new release takes the throat-shredding catharsis of debut EP 'it’s nice to see you, stranger' and blows it out wider with bigger riffs, harsher edges, crunchy synths and melodies that stick around for days afterwards.
The title came from the band becoming fully obsessed with the idea of learning how to do an actual backflip. “It might have started as a joke but is almost entirely sincere now,” they explain. “The stunt holds some symbolism I’m sure - mastering your body, peak performance, explosive energy.” Which makes sense for an EP made while the band were busy throwing out old habits, trying different writing approaches and figuring out where to take thistle. next.
With 'backflip' out now, thistle. talk through the EP track by track.
pieces
Cameron: I was listening to a lot of slowcore bands while writing this song. It was originally arranged that way, but when we got into the studio we decided to make it wayyyyy more energetic. I was against the idea at first, but I think it was the right choice in the end. I don’t particularly have very good technique with “screaming”, so this was the last song we recorded vocals for, and that ended up being a very, very long day. I couldn’t speak on the train back home. Judwyn was very pleased to have the chance to mess around with the synths provided by Macks Faulkron at REX RECS, and came up with his wonderful melody, which I think completely changed the song for the better.
