Each Measure Feature: Milly Thimaras

FEATURE

With glittering synth moments, smooth and steady percussion, and crooning chorused vocals, it’s easy to imagine a live experience of Milly Thimaras latest single, Bullets. I picture some haze drifting over a chattery whiskey-sipping crowd, the band just coming off of a sweaty anthem closing out the first half of the set, Bullets would set the stage for the second half of the evening with that perfect balance of mellow and raw.

The English artist takes her time to craft a story of heartbreak and the determined will to continue with growth and discovery. Exactly five minutes long, the track never drops in energy. Rather, the muted pop of the drums and tangy guitar picking provide a steady head-bobbing roll that carries the song forward. Thimaras’s voice blends beautifully; emotive and strong with a brassy edge reminiscent of 90s or 2000s rock and soul (Ace of Base, anyone?). The background singer, presumably recorded with featured artist Charley Stride, comes in a little less than halfway through the track, creating a groovy atmosphere and a dimensionality to both vocals and lyrics. The combination of both voices amplifies the struggle she sings so passionately of, the soft layers of melody boosting the sense of fragility that so often comes with vulnerability.

With so many sounds at play, it's fun to hear that Bullets was recorded entirely at home, a testament to Milly Thimaras's DIY approach to music. Her other tracks are scattered throughout the past few years, each with the same full sound and a similar sense of deeply personal writing. Excitingly, we won’t have to wait long to hear more. With Bullets, she now revs the engine for an upcoming album!

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