Lillian Bloom’s new EP Thistledown is the best way to move into spring. Bloom released her first EP at the beginning of February after several months of hard work and dedication. The EP itself has four songs: ‘Pink Lemonade,’ ‘Permission,’ ‘Killing Time’ and ‘Autumn Song.’ Bloom takes her influences from popular indie singer-songwriters like Dodie, Maude Latour, Norah Jones, and Sufjan Stevens so, if any of those artists are your vibe, I would highly recommend Lillian Bloom.
Lyrically, Bloom finds herself surrounded by nature. She frequently sings about bugs, flower fields and the loveliness of autumn air. Bloom sees the simplest beauty in the smallest things, and turns them into a poetic appreciation. Bloom has the lyrics of a modern day Romantic poet with the likes of Keats, Shelley, Wordsworth, etc. She also uses a variety of instruments in her songs, mostly guitar and clarinet, but also features a violin, cello, a flute and the sound of a drop of water. The uniqueness of her sound comes from the use of a wide range of instruments and this where she carves out her individuality in the genre. These musical essences give Bloom more of a romantic vibe, in both senses of the word. It is clear that this album is about a love that got away, and the longing for someone she has lost. In this EP, Lillian Bloom has magnified the emotions and details in life that we typically take for granted or push to the side.
- ‘Pink Lemonade’. I can’t lie, this is a great way to kick off her album. This song was a runner up in a song contest this past summer. It shows off her sweet nature and talent for underlying melodies and harmonies. The violin interlude between verses is what really makes this song special, bringing a classical element to an already soft spoken accompaniment. Bloom’s doubled vocals also provide a delicate harmony with earnest love and longing.
- ‘Permission’. Lillian Bloom’s voice echoes on all sides like a siren calling out, while clarinets (played by Bloom) create harmonies in the background. The lyrics in this song are less romantic than her others, but still keep the wistful, hopeful, romantic with a capital R feeling. “I want to take for granted / seemingly wasted hours” is perhaps the best lyric from the song, expressing the deep nostalgia for better times while pining for a future where she can recreate those moments. I would say that this is my favorite song on the album, but it’s also closely tied with the next one.
- ‘Killing Time’. While this song also has Bloom’s voice echoing as if she’s in a deep chamber, the tone is bittersweet. There is still a magical air to it with chimes and soft guitar strumming, but Bloom includes the use of a drop of water in the chorus. This gives the listener the feeling that she is alone and empty, and brings out the feeling of heartache. “Learning to be lonely, learning to be sunny” is my favorite line, as we see Bloom’s character develop and seem to climb out of this well of grief.
- ‘Autumn Song’. “I know we call it fall, but have you noticed how the autumn always flies?” Lillian Bloom starts off this cheery number with an introspective question, which seems to contradict the bright melody. The lyrics of this song reflect the tones set by the previous song, but this almost jazzy melody shifts the overall mood of the album. I’m almost reminded of the ‘Maple Treeway’ song from Mario Kart, as this song feels warm and the jazz flute solo gives a great samba feel.
Overall, I would give Thistledown 4 out of 5 stars. This album is an amazing start to Lillian Bloom’s musical career and I can’t wait to see how she continues to mature as an artist. I was blown away by what I heard and the emotions she evoked, and I know that she’ll only grow from here.
The Thistledown EP can be streamed on Apple music, Spotify and Amazon, and can also be found in full on Youtube. The album itself can be bought on iTunes for $3.96, or each song individually for $0.99.
