Thorin Loeks builds an optimistic and playful indie-folk world that we’re all invited to on album, In This Place.
As the world copes with a myriad of problems, sometimes it’s nice to just sit back, relax and take your mind off it all for a moment. Thorin Loeks record In This Place is the perfect accompaniment to those times, able to gently caress your soul as you let your mind wander.
Starting with an intro track of lapping waves and warm acoustic guitar, strings envelop the track and introduce you to the type of blissful indie-folk sound to expect going forwards. Album-titles track In This Place carries on this settled sound but adds in a drum track as we’re introduced to Thorin’s beautifully diverse vocals for the first time. Happy in both low and high notes, his voice dances around the rhythms, building atmospheric energy that rises in the chorus.
Open Sky follows with a more warm and inviting structure. The lyrics playfully dart around ideas of making a future in which you’re content before doubling down in a fast-paced and catchy chorus: “I don’t want to wait to live this life we’ll find a way to make this right.” It’s all very feel good and something we could all do with at the moment.
As we delve further into the album, you really get an insight into Thorin’s lust and happiness for life, with an attitude that appears to be ‘half glass full’ and never to be broken. Tonight plays on a beat-driven drum track with female background vocals perfectly thickening out the sound and helping build a more indie-pop mentality. Even a Track named Let It Rain isn’t as downbeat as you’d expect with Thorin seeing the bright side of bad situations: “Well there’s no more time to wait…so we’ll open up our ways and we’ll wash them out and let it rain”.
The record finishes in emphatic fashion showing off the singer’s dexterity against a stripped back sound. With You builds a warm and inviting atmosphere that suits the more docile and deep tones of Thorin’s voice against guitar and piano, whereas All That’s Left strips back even more with just a guitar and a more weathered vocal track that’s raw and powerful when needed. The hints of Country that arise in the final moments of the album finish it off nicely.
Thorin Loeks has created a homely and pleasant sound that will comfort you in those difficult times and make you feel a little happier. The subtle guitar work and accompanying vocals really play off each other in a pleasing way with the tracks perfectly tailored and skillfully crafted. Thorin’s upbeat optimism is something that the world needs right now.
Score: 4/5
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