In 2024, Providence-based indie group Wooll made a big splash in Allston Pudding. We were lucky enough to cover their debut album Unwind, and we included them in our best local releases of the year. Less than a year later, they’re back with the first single off of their forthcoming sophomore record, “Thistle,” and we’re delighted to host the premiere.
“Thistle” is both markedly similar to the songs on Unwind, and an advancement of the sound. The band’s first album was marked by patient songwriting and a warm, inviting atmosphere across every track. The album saw the band working as a unit, never putting one member too much in the focus. “Thistle” does away with this idea, slightly. The song opens with a melodic and tender guitar line that puts full focus on guitarist Tyler Rosenholm. The tune closes out with a double-guitar line that’s ever so slightly more ominous. But a majority of the song belongs to singer Corinne Roma, whose smooth voice and enticing rhythms seal the deal on this being another great Wooll track. Have no fear, the band is still locked in as a unit, but there’s individual opportunities to shine here. While everything is still digestible and contained, there’s a slight edge now, to couple with the song’s title.
The other highlight here is the band’s production, which marries it more to their previous tunes. A majority of the members are veterans of the scene, playing together in Kid Mountain prior to Wooll, so they’ve cut their teeth and know how to craft a unified sound. The band is tight, and the production has the same warm and engulfing feeling to it, where it stands on the precipice of shoegaze but still comes off much more like a warm blanket than, well, a thistle. It’s a perfect comforting sound for a cold, cold January like we’ve had here.
“Thistle” is the first taste of what promises to be a moodier sophomore album from Wooll, out spring 2025. The band is supplementing this single with a limited 7″ vinyl run, and a show with Winkler and Salty Greyhound on January 31st at Myrtle in East Providence, Rhode Island.
Stream the song below, or wherever you get your music. Watch for the band’s sophomore album or tour dates in your area!