Thrillhouse x Rankd

The Tide is out, and Thrillhouse have washed-up with their latest album 'Smile'

Following-up from their 2023 debut ‘Something About This Place’, Thrillhouse have returned with their long anticipated follow-up ‘Smile’, lovingly wrapped in ethereal layers of acoustic guitar and electric ear-candy that scratches an alternative indie itch similar to that of The War On Drugs and Bruce Springsteen, while introducing the an infectious sense of personality that sets the outfit on their own path entirely.

Easing us in with the sing-a-long simplicity of ‘Wanna See You Smile’, we are led gradually into the full auditory landscape of Thrillhouse, with the Synth-led nostalgia of ‘I’ll Still Be There’ leading seamlessly into ‘Seven Wonders’, which boasts distorted guitar runs and chants that give a nod to the more playful and participatory side of Thrillhouse’s growing discography.

‘Drain’ introduces sweeping western-style guitar slides, chunky octave-filled melodies and danceable tambourine flavour, quickly re-grounding us back to the simple and vocally enchanting emotion of ‘The Tide’, continuing themes of love and connection while keeping lyricism clear and relatable: 

‘I don’t know why I can never tell you how much you mean to me… How long does it take to be forgotten, for the door to be sealed shut.’ (from Where Would I Be Without You?)

We received an invite to celebrate Thrillhouse’s achievement on April 3rd at The Folklore Rooms in Brighton, a showcase of intimate songwriting, accompanied by the powerful dreampop of Seadog. After seeing the ear-to-ear smiles and a room packed shoulder-to-shoulder – it’s clear to see Thrillhouse are crafting a sound that has garnered a well-deserved fanbase in Brighton and beyond. Released under Spirit of Spike Island, and displayed in the window of Picadilly Records on release week, Thrillhouse are turning heads – and rightfully so.