EP Debut: ‘NOT MY TYPE’ by THUDD
‘Not My Type’ Cover Artwork. via THUDD
Review of ‘Not My Type’ (Debut EP, 2020) by THUDD
Initially featured in early May and showcased again in late June 2020 on Dear Untitled, THUDD, the young rock act based out of Brighton, England is excited to release their debut, 4 track EP, ‘Not My Type’ to the world on July 24, 2020!
From the moment that “What Once Was” debuted, there was something very intriguing and unique about the sound which THUDD adds to the UK and global music scene. Taking influence from prominent acts such as Volbeat, Bullet For My Valentine, and Within Temptation, there was no question that there would be a distinct, yet vibrant tone, embedded with everything this act released. Even looking back at the 2019 debut single, “Armageddon”, listeners could already derive something special about this project was in the works.
“This release, ‘Not My Type’ promises to bang the heads of rockers everywhere, while also conveying its meaningful story of a journey through past failed relationships and internal struggles…” - THUDD
EXCLUSIVE CONVERSATION: The Journey to THUDD - Beyond “Brawl”
Launching into an aggressive opening track, “Brawl (Fight)”, THUDD captures the heart and minds of listeners by channeling their ‘underdog’ / newcomer spirit but they aren’t invincible by any means, utilizing the premier piece to speak lyrically about mental health:
“….there were a lot of times (when starting Uni) where it felt like I couldn’t really do it - I just wanted to leave everyday - I just wanted to go back home. With those feelings, there are a lot of things I find, and something you have to come to terms with is that there are a lot of problems in life and “giving up” isn’t always the best option. With a lot of things, you just want to try and fight through it - you want to keep going…There is always a light at the end of that tunnel and you just gotta keep going. Its not worth stopping, and its not worth getting beaten.” - Jack Brown (Vocalist)
Rolling onward to a previously unheard single, “Nothing Left”, there isn’t much of a standout moment here, aside from further artistic expression as THUDD continues the “never back down / never say die” storyline.
“..I’ve nothing left to deny
this time won’t back down from the fight..”
- Excerpt from “Nothing Left”
Taking charge of a verse and complimentary choral portions, the feature artist, Alysha, shines brightly in the spotlight on “What Once Was” after a brief tease and backing vocals in “Nothing Left”. Although “What Once Was” had been out since early May and fans all knew what was coming, the track placement injects a breath of fresh air and was a necessary peak for this EP trajectory - keeping listeners on their toes!
….“What Once Was” Feat. Alysha takes the listener on a journey of reclaiming and re-discovering the full potential within after pulling themselves away from a negative relationship. Although the listener isn’t filled in on the whole backstory, the true emotion and sonic push embedded in the underlying guitar tempo invigorates the piece from the core upon reaching the chorus….” - (“What Once Was” ft Alysha - Dear Untitled, debut 5/7/20)
While closing the EP with another unreleased, riff-driven track, “You My Dear”, Bassist Ben Arrowsmith reflected on what ‘Not My Type’ means for THUDD’s outlook, even in covid lock-down times:
“This debut EP paves the way to a future of innovation-filled music (for THUDD)” - Ben Arrowsmith (Bass)
Even if ‘Not My Type’ isn’t exactly your personal “flavor” of music, you can be sure that this act’s maturity and evolution of talent will only improve with time. Backed by a renowned collaboration with production team Pete Smith (Stevie Wonder, The Police, Cheryl Crow, Van Morrison) and John Gallen (Queen, Motorhead, The Damned), and a fueled by a dream, THUDD’s future looks bright no matter how you slice it! - Nic B
Influences: Volbeat, Sabaton, Within Tempation, Periphery, BMTH, BFMV, Arctic Monkeys
FFO: Volbeat, The 69 Eyes, Black Veil Brides
Previous Coverage:
The Dear Untitled Podcast - Ep #28: The Journey to THUDD - Beyond “Brawl”