Forged in a garage in Northampton, and armed with a lo-fi, introspective yet hardcore sound, thistle have already captured the attention of BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 1 and Radio X in their short time together; fusing elements of shoegaze, indie rock and hardcore, the band draws from a broad spectrum of influences, from Pavement to Polachek to sublime effect. Finally, we here at Backseat Mafia have taken notice and asked the band a few questions to find out a bit more.
Give us a potted history of the band
We wrote about 12 songs before deciding which ones would go on the EP, at a time when all of us weren’t free to practice very often due to work/ home life, and when we were free, we were playing a show. This made it very hard to concentrate on this project but soon as the first few songs were decided it was pretty quick to finish with ‘it’s nice to see you, stranger’ being the last song to make it.
We recorded this in Lewis’s shed with Lewis and Judwyn co-producing it with me on the sidelines, saying unhelpful things like “can you make it sound more twangy”. After it was all finished, we were very lucky to have Venn Records approach us about releasing this, and also Tom, our manager, hopping on the team, who has been amazing, and we’re very grateful for both of them.
Who inspired you to start making music
There was a talent show at the school when I was in year 7, and I learnt how to play ‘Island in the Sun’ by Weezer for it. I didn’t pass the entry audition, but I really enjoyed playing the song, so I guess it was Weezer. I think it’s multiple things, like guitar teachers, parents and friends, that made me like playing music so much.
And the one or maybe two records that inspired you artistically
It’s hard to pin it down to only a few records that have inspired us as we all listen and take influence from so much music, but I do remember listening to a lot of Wilco, modern colour and wishy whilst making this EP. I just loved all the melodies that Wilco and Wishy came up with, and the violent show of emotion from Modern Colour should be studied
If you’re trying to explain who you sound like to someone who’s never heard you, what do you say
Shoegaze grunge but in a cool way. I promise I shower.
What can we expect from you in the near future
We have an EP coming out, but I’m not sure if this will be out before we announce the release date, so I shall just say there are 5 songs coming out soon, with the second single coming out on the 20th of May. I’m not sure if they are touring anymore, but I would LOVE to play with METZ one day in a small, sweaty venue
Tell us your favourite records that are rocking your headphones/tour bus/stereo
This is Lorelei – box for buddy, box for star
Armlock – seashell angel lucky charm
Model/actriz – pirouette
22 halo – lily of The Valley
Spirit of the beehive – you’ll have to lose something
Check out the bands single, below:
