8/10

Since the release of their seminal 2019 debut EP 'What's On Your Mind' and 2020 follow-up 'Everything At Once', there was never any doubt that Thyla would become a force to be reckoned with. Throughout the last few years, the Brighton-based trio have knocked out one impressive single after another, establishing themselves as one of the more anthemic and euphoric new names emerging right now. So after a flurry of buzz throughout 2021, they kick off their new year with their gigantic self-titled debut album, a record that unleashes all the same power and energy we have loved them for.

Taking cues from the likes of The Joy Formidable and Wolf Alice, largely thanks to the engaging vocal presence of frontwoman Millie Duthie, 'Thyla' sees the group embark on some truly world-building ideas that look to set them apart from their more notable contemporaries. With this rich and vivid sound that takes elements from conventional indie-rock aesthetics and cranks up the blistering pace as far as it will go, their new full-length looks to go the extra mile to create a series of tracks that each draw you in with their alluring yet ferocious textures, creating a mesmerising offering throughout.

This debut LP may have been a long time coming for fans of the group, but 'Thyla' is well worth the wait. With an instantly fascinating direction, coupled with some hard and passionate production from start to finish, it feels like they may finally start to leave their underground identity in pursuit of a wider appeal.