REVIEW: thistle. - backflip
- Hannah Martin
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Alt-rock newcomers THISTLE. are releasing their new EP backflip on 29th May. Right from the start, the song pieces creates a complex, genre-bending mix that immediately defines the sound of the record. From synths to heavy drums and almost shoegazy vocals, the track is able to capture the energy of the EP really well. The song feels dark and introspective, underlined by mythical sounding synths and layered instrumentals that slowly build into something chaotic yet emotional. It’s an opening track that already shows how many influences the band is willing to blend together without losing focus.
Compared to pieces, the second track pylon gives us a more melodic approach. The synths mostly disappear and it now reminds more of classic alternative rock or grunge tracks. While the first song feels atmospheric and experimental, pylon feels more direct and grounded. The guitars are rougher and the vocals sit more naturally inside the instrumental, creating a track that feels emotional without becoming overly dramatic. Even with the more traditional sound, THISTLE. still keeps their own identity intact.
backflip in slow motion is a short interlude, definitely uncommon for an EP, but it feels perfectly placed here as a short break to breathe before the next track already starts more energetic than the last two. The interlude almost acts like a transition between the more dreamy beginning of the project and the louder, more emotional second half. It’s subtle, but important for the pacing of the EP.
A faster-paced track is tied. With its melodic and emotional sound it catches you perfectly again after the small interlude. It’s one of the fastest tracks on the project, definitely feeling grunge and at times even showing post-punk influences. The drums feel more aggressive and the guitars become noisier, while still keeping a strong melodic core underneath the chaos. It’s one of the songs that best balances energy and emotion.
With mean eye, the band delves even deeper into post-punk influences. What can be found here is an almost repetitive track structure. Simple, repeated vocals are used in the verses, only to explode into a messy but melodic chorus afterwards. The repetition works surprisingly well and creates an almost hypnotic feeling that slowly grows stronger as the song progresses.
The end of the EP makes the song city,name. Its soft and melancholic touches make it one of the highlights of the EP. Keeping the grunge messiness intact, the song dives deeper into sadder and more emotional tones, both in the vocals and in the twinkly guitar parts that carry the song forward. It closes the project in a reflective and almost haunting way.
All in all THISTLE. is able to create a small but genre-bending record that at times reminds you of older grunge bands like Nirvana, while still sounding modern and unique. It’s an interesting statement from the band and definitely makes you curious to see what happens next.
Score: 7/10
backflip will be released on May 29th 2026 via REX RECS.
Words: Hannah Martin
Photos: Gabbi Goldman
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