1990s alternative is alive and well, and Thermal is the latest band to cross my radar that nails the sound. I’d actually started this post last week after hearing their 2023 EP Plaster Girl for the first time. Before I even reached the end of the leadoff track 18, I knew the record was going to wind up on this site. It’s a great song:

There are a lot of acts that channel that 1990s Breeders/Cranberries/MBV energy, but few do it this well. Lead singer Lauren Armstrong’s soft voice and broad range are a perfect balance for the shoegazey guitars. I had a couple of long drives last week and this was the perfect accompaniment. By the end of the week I had a whole thing ready to go about that EP.

So then yeesterday I fire up the ol’ RSS feed after a week away and I see a thing in Exclaim! about their new single. Serendipity! The single is called Kiss the Ground, and it’s their best yet:

I love the sound of this band, and this new single keeps everything that was special about that EP. It’s melodic, catchy and nostalgic. The video has a solid ’90s vibe to it as well. It reminds me a lot of new faves Suzy Clue and Rêverie, so if you dig this, check those artists out too.

The Exclaim piece tells us there’s another single coming soon. Hope it comes with some live dates.

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