Thoran James, a multi-instrumentalist and producer, makes music inside of his bedroom in suburban London. His new single, “hunger,” is the third he has released this year. With a seamless release of an instant relatable soft-folk classic, James ensures that his upcoming EP will be worth a listen.
The folk-pop single vibrates a nostalgic atmosphere with layered sound samples, ultimately breaking us down by the time the chorus soars in, with a voice sounding similar to Phoebe Bridgers. The crowd sample in the intro was recorded at the Natural History Museum in London, which James frequented during childhood, adding to the theme of the single. Losing innocence can be a challenging topic for many, but “hunger” eases the worries of those who stress over becoming an adult: “Heard you’re back home for the weekend / We should go down to the lake / Leave your bag and take your brother / We won’t be back that late.”
By yearning for the innocence lost and attempting to navigate the growing pains of adulthood, with every step and string pluck, James elucidates these feelings just as Adrianne Lenker would off of her album, Songs. The comparison may be sparse, but the rawness of both artists can be heard from a far-off place.
The colorful layers, especially as the song fades off at the end, feel as though you’re watching a sunset before a coming-of-age moment. The song exudes the emotions of letting go yet knowing you can never return.
James’ electronic roots sneak through, adding a classic edge to the folk melody. The hunger described is entirely relatable and timely for so many people, even an entire generation who are entering adulthood, unsure of how to handle letting go. The imagery sung throughout the song forces James’ audience to look back on their own experiences, feeling all the same emotions: “Breath through my hunger / Make me feel younger / Even if it’s much too late.”
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