THORN – We Are Happy (Of The Pale Criminal) (2023)
If Marilyn Manson were to procreate with Nine Inch Nails, the chances are likely THORN would be their child. Emerging from the dregs of the Covid-19 pandemic, THORN is the brainchild of UK-based Charlie Thorne who has such an inimitable obscurity in his music that no person could hope to come close. With his energetic live performances from Dublin Castle to O2 Academy Brixton, THORN is garnering a following across the UK; however, coverage on Music For All, Punk Head, Rock Noticias, Headbanger News, York Calling, Mesmerized, Illustrate Magazine, TJPL News, and various others, THORN is reaching audiences far beyond his UK borders. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘We Are Happy (Of The Pale Criminal)’.
The third release in his intriguing discography, ‘We Are Happy (Of The Pale Criminal)’ follows the well-received singles ‘ASHTRAY’ and ‘DARK SOUL’. A completely DIY project, THORN not only pens the singles and sings the songs but also plays all of the instruments and produces the self-released material.
Unlike ‘ASHTRAY’, ‘We Are Happy (Of The Pale Criminal)’ is the suck-zone of a twister. As hard-hitting as his previous material, but with a heavier, grittier, more industrial tone, THORN weaves a melody that inspires but simultaneously constricts your chest. You breathe freedom but shrink from it in the three-minute sonic package. The ups and downs of the electronic beats have you riding a wave of emotion before collapsing in the pool of sound. Interestingly enough, while there is a draining sensation to ‘We Are Happy (Of The Pale Criminal)’, a harmonic charm seeps throughout the song.
Influenced by “grunge, alcohol and the breakneck attitude of Henry Rollins…”, THORN creates music to inspire, reflect and overcome societal expectations and norms. He explains that ‘We Are Happy (Of The Pale Criminal)’ is “being free within oneself. Striving for clarity of mind…. understanding my own sexuality and the nature of this one-night-stand age, my willingness to give in and then reflect and push past into a state of sexual freedom…”
If I were to describe THORN’s music and believe me this is difficult, I would say: gritty, grunge-soaked obscurity lying in a pool of chaotic creativity. The acid trip without the acid; the beautiful scream before a state of oblivion; the madness lying in a dark hole; the eye of the storm – it’s all THORN and it’s all beautiful.
For more from THORN, check out his official website, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
