Setting the tone with elegant, strummed acoustic guitar, expanding into a luscious synthscape with dimensional drums, Russell Thomas opens No Matter the Crime with an emotive energy.
The opus expands to tell the story of “learning to forgive someone who has taken their life”. This is a profound and cathartic matter to cover, for both artist and listener, considering that suicide is one of the top leading causes of death, and the impact can cause a ripple effect into the community of the person who has died.
We appreciate the poetic nuance of the lyricism, which includes highlights such as the hook, “I’ll always forgive you no matter the crime…”, and the touching, “Deep in the haze these memories vie…”, as well as the conceptual opening line, “A night black as crows all senses refined, guarding your secrets as I unfurl mine…”
The juxtaposition of an upbeat, pop-folk sonic landscape fused with the moving and sombre topic is healing in nature, and we are grateful that Russell Thomas is sharing his wisdom and experience through this medium.
Speaking on his influences, Russell confesses, “I have an appreciation of musicians who have an ability to share their feelings openly in their music laying themselves bare. I’m influenced by jazz, soul, funk, Latin, blues, rock and pop. My favourite bands and musicians are Kaleo, Mountains of the Moon and Gregory Alan Isakov.” We can see how these come into force on No Matter the Crime, but it is also clear that Russell Thomas is creating a universe of his own.
No Matter the Crime comes with a vivid music video, which features a red-haired protagonist and poetic cinematography, in line with the message of the song.
We have added No Matter the Crime to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we continue to stream Russell Thomas‘s first two singles, Turbulent Skies and Fireflies.