THISTLE & OAK – This Hill (2024)
After meeting at a blues bar, singer-songwriters Paul Ryan and Lindsey Ann bonded over an appreciation for music, passion for creativity, and a bit of a romantic spark; thus, THISTLE & OAK was born. While this is my first taste of the US-based duo, the pair have entertained audiences with their unique sound for several years now. Confident and exuberant live shows built a loyal following onstage; however, their music reaches far beyond the US borders turning heads internationally across several continents. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘This Hill’.
An eclectic duo, Ryan and Ann saunter across various genres blending folk, pop, country and rock in an experimental brand of Americana. Following their well-received single ‘Pretend’, ‘This Hill’ ups the country sounds of the THISTLE & OAK sound, kind of like an indie-folk meets indie-pop warp of music bound with the toe-tapping twang of country. Interestingly, while the track has a contemporary melody, an old-school folk edge slithers through blending eras as well as genres.
Produced with Grady Saxman, ‘This Hill’ weaves together bold guitars, dynamic drums and rich vocals in harmonic unity. Symphonic in a way oozing sophistication from the first to last chord, ‘This Hill’ is an elegant, mature piece of work. Yet, just as it breathes polished finesse, a click of raw vulnerability can be heard. Heartbreaking tragedy exposes human fragility… then again, the sadness is layered with a charming round of optimism, empowerment and hope.
“’This Hill’ delves deep into the themes of resilience and hope that emerged from the global Covid lockdown. Recording this ‘This Hill’ was a cathartic experience… It embodies the emotional rollercoaster we all went through during the lockdown, reminding us of our resilience and capacity to overcome life’s greatest challenges…” – Paul Ryan on ‘This Hill’
In addition to the single, THISTLE & OAK released an official music video for ‘This Hill’. You can view the video below or on their YouTube channel.
Find out more about THISTLE & OAK on their official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
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