Thursday Night Shift - Fake Muse

Thursday Night Shift

Fake Muse
self-released; 2019

​4.0 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Temi Gordons (drums), Sofia El Salahi (vocals), Minnie Cunningham (vocals), Armand Ste.Croix (trumpet), Anja Wylie (piano), Brian Coulton (guitar/bass) and Derek Wylie (guitars/vocals) are Thursday Night Shift. That’s one full band. Back in 2017 we reviewed Feast to high regard. The band is back with Fake Muse.

The band unequivocally has a lot of people. This can sometimes be an issue if there is a lot of ego in the band. If everyone is going to want to be the focal point it’s going to sound overcrowded. Thursday Night Shift seems to be well aware of this fact because the songs breathe. The musicians pick their spots which make the instruments have more of a symbiotic relationship.

As far as themes and lyrics there are a lot of topics ranging from politics to the value of friendship. I would say the lyrics are pretty deep both in how they are delivered and the actual words. There were multiple times where I was reminded of Pink Floyd.

The album opens with “The Embrace.” You are greeted with a strummed acoustic guitar and a lead guitar. Derek Wylie has a distinct voice. It's not as deep as Tom Waits but was in that territory. I think the mix of Nick Cave and Tom Waits sounds about right. It’s a warm and beautiful song. I would say it’s a very comforting song from the lyrics to the general vibe. Almost reassuring.

A good horn player can make it sound like the instrument can cry. That’s what I was hearing on “Eden.” I loved those horns that were strategically placed. This song also contains notable vocal harmonies and impressive crescendos that feel empowering.

Those Pink Floyd vibes are probably most prevalent on “Dreams Of Home.” There is a resurgence of energy on “Rise Up” which blends post-punk with a band like Arcade Fire. “No Visa” is all around joyous and celebratory at least in terms of vibe.

As the album progressed I thought the band did a great job shifting the energy in ways that made the experience one worth listening to sequentially. That being said I thought there were some highlights. “Magnetic” was the catchiest song to my ears while the closer “Sixteen-Ten'' has a number of wicked grooves and transitions that caught my attention.

​Simply put this is what a band sounds like that is on top of their game. The songwriting and delivery is all there making for an emotionally resonant and powerful album.

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