Thomston, Acid Rain | Track Review 🎵

22-year old New Zealand-bred alternative-pop artist Thomston reflects on a bad, ‘acidic’  relationship on his compelling single, “Acid Rain.”

Cutting straight to the chase, London-born, New Zealand-bred alt-pop artist Thomston shines on “Acid Rain.” “Acid Rain” serves as his first new single of 2018.  Previously, he released a full-length album, Topograph, in 2016. Vocally, the 22-year old is incredibly talented, chocked-full of swagger and soul.  In the ‘soul department’ he’s furthered amplified by choral backing vocals. Nothing like a little extra inspiration, sigh.

Beyond Thomston’s superb pipes, both the production and songwriting stand out.  Throughout much of “Acid Rain,” the production is relatively minimal, providing a sufficient backdrop but not an invasive one. As the emotional level builds up, the production grows more robust, but never even approaches going ‘over the edge.’ As far as the songwriting, the chorus is the centerpiece, introduced at the top of record.

“When you fell
From the sky
We all stopped and stood outside to wash our clothes
Baby we got soaked
When you fell from the sky
I felt the burning in my eyes, drove me insane
I thought that you were holy water but you were just acid rain.”

As the centerpiece, the chorus establishes the aftermath of a bad relationship.  On the first verse, Thomston asserts, “And I’d wait up all night for you / The minutes turned into fucking years.” By the end of the second verse, he sings, “Though when I’d give anything / To just take back the love that I’ve misplaced in you.”  Clearly, he wishes he hadn’t indulged and been burned.

Final Thoughts 

As aforementioned – straight-up copying and pasting – Thomston shines on “Acid Rain.”  The production keeps things simple but highly-effective.  The songwriting has its fair share of poetic moments, as well as an f-bomb describing the singer’s disappointment and utter disgust.  Vocally, this man can flat out sing without ever over-singing.  Put all those strengths together and “Acid Rain” is pretty awesome, unlike Thomston’s ex.

Thomston • Acid Rain – Single • Warner Music Australia • Release: 6.8.18

Photo Credit: Warner Music Australia