Music is often a life-long calling. It might appear impromptu at times, yes, but usually is a passion found in family settings, passed on from parents to children. This was also true for Russell Thomas, songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist based in Sheffield. While growing up, he was able to learn from his mother, a professional singer, and absorb kaleidoscopic baggage of cultural references. From R’n’B to Folk, from Jazz to Pop, it all plays a part in Thomas’ artistry, now taking the shape of a solid solo project.
Debuting in 2020 with two singles, ‘Fireflies’ and ‘Turbulent Skies’, the British artist delivered acute storytelling on guitar-based vibes, providing a welcome artistic relief to the ongoing pandemic. He then took a short hiatus, before returning this year in great fashion: on offering there’s ‘No Matter The Crime’, another telling tale of his musical qualities.
Channelling a pop/folk aesthetic, ‘No Matter The Crime’ carries all of its author’s peculiarity. Putting acoustic guitars at the forefront, the track develops on poignancy and epicness, with the combo piano/strings giving the record its epic factor. It’s only in the verse that we catch a glimpse of Thomas’ peculiar vocals, often found in similar-falsetto settings, always precise and evocative, focusing on conveying the project’s convoluted witty lyricism. For ‘No Matter The Crime’, the English talent was inspired by the traumatic suicide of a close friend.
Recommended! Discover Russell Thomas on Youtube:
