Dear listener and reader of Soundville, brace yourself, because I want to tell you about a promising rising star and songwriter, THERA, and her vibrant pop debut album “I Wish I Called”, featuring 11 tracks. Collaborating with producers Martin Prikryl, Matej Moravek, Matej Belko, and Nigel Lowis, THERA crafts a commercial sound that complements her introspective lyrics. THERA hails from the Czech Republic, and at just 17 years old, her lyrics exude an incredible honesty and soulfulness, grounded in her own personal experiences. THERA admits that music has helped her express herself and get through many tough times, including loneliness. That’s why she hopes that by sharing her experiences with the world, every listener seeking understanding can find solace in her sound. And, I’ve got to say, it truly works. It’s THERA’s sincerity, something often lacking in the music world, that caught the attention of Sounds Inc, a UK management team.

You know, when you first hear THERA’s music, it’s like one of those bright moments in life that immediately sticks in your memory and gives you a sense of liberation and joy. Her unique style blends synth-pop, powerful rock, light electronic touches, and a dash of unbridled indie-pop sound. In this cocktail, there’s something for everyone who loves modern music, but the real star here is THERA’s strong and cool vocals. From track to track, her voice transforms, embodying different emotions and tones. Oh, it’s insanely cool! So, let’s not wait any longer and dive right into this incredibly stylish album.

The album “I Wish I Called” opens with a dark intro. The almost claustrophobic sound, cinematic vibes in “ringing…” instantly create a special atmosphere. It pulls you right into THERA’s world, her unique style, and her feelings. The sleek transition is picked up by “fate”, immediately unfolding into its sweet dark-pop sound. However, it’s not entirely dark or melancholic. THERA’s voice, with its soft delivery, is uplifted by gentle pads, hinting that brighter days are surely ahead. Yet, the slow unraveling of the album’s concept shifts into sharper, more powerful beats in “would you?”.

I love how in “would you?” the pop synth sound seamlessly transitions into a groovy alt-rock vibe, demonstrating what happens to emotions when they collide with reality. It’s like when emotions explode into your consciousness, giving you that constant feeling of battling with yourself. Isn’t it amazing? THERA’s voice takes on sharp and demanding tones, and the commercial chorus immediately gets stuck in your head. Before you know it, you’re singing along! Flawless.

The mood shifts in “YOUTH” and “little favour” show THERA’s ability to work across genres and perform any track that the concept demands. The slow sway of the rhythm in “YOUTH”, the soft vocals, and the unique intro with children’s voices make you feel the melody more deeply and appreciate its special sound. Perhaps it’s a nod to the inner child, who always needs protection. Meanwhile, the next track, “little favour”, is a laid-back pop song perfect for your calmest, most peaceful evenings. Just close your eyes and feel the tenderness of the sound, the soft pads, and the lightness in the melody.

A special place in my heart belongs to the track “stain”. Soft keys, THERA’s emotional commercial vocals… Her voice feels so close, like she’s a best friend who always knows the right thing to say. It’s wonderful and sometimes just what you need. “stain” grabs you, touching those deep emotions that have been locked away for so long. And I have to admit, only true hits can provoke that kind of reaction. Oh yes!

The centerpiece track, “guardian angel”, has already made waves, landing on Spotify’s editorial playlists like New Music Friday and EQUAL. Its success is a testament to THERA’s ability to connect with listeners, racking up over 3 million streams on TikTok and Spotify even before the album’s full release. When you listen to “guardian angel”, you get why. THERA’s light, almost angelic vocals soar and dissolve into the mist. Soft beats, weeping violins, and gentle keys amplify the emotions from the previous track, bringing them to a peak. This is one of the strongest tracks and an absolute must for your playlist.

The album wraps up with “dying tone”, and it’s all chills, pain, tears, and release. THERA’s voice is so emotional and deep, processed and filtered as if through a phone call, leaving me in awe. This track cuts off the album, leaving you with a sense of a story that needs more. THERA is a master of sound, emotion, and feeling. There’s no one quite like her. That’s why “I Wish I Called” is so varied, complex, and deeply emotional. I’m in love with this release no more, no less. How about you?

Hey THERA! Thank you for putting out such incredible music. I love the sincerity in your sound, and your voice, it reflects so many emotions, it squeezes the heart. I’m really into the concept of the phone call and conversation. There’s just this unreal magic in all of it. So much emotion that it practically shatters me into pieces. And that finale. Oh my god. It blew me away, and now I just want to know what’s next. You can feel the strength and hard work in every single track. Oh! Keep making this awesome music, and I’ll be sharing it with my friends. Oh yeah, haha, they’re definitely gonna love it!

IG @the_thera_