EP Review: ‘Miracle’ by Tors

Earlier this year, we introduced you to the indie-pop trio Tors, and now we’re thrilled to announce they released their Miracle EP on April 26th. Including four tracks – the title song, ‘Tell You’, ‘Happy Enough’ and ‘Only For You’ – The EP marks a significant milestone for Tors. Sharing their excitement on Instagram, the band expressed how these six songs represent the culmination of an eventful year, written during six tours over six months. They poured their hearts and souls into these tracks, achieving a sound that perfectly matched their vision.

According to the band, the Miracle EP is the most authentic representation of Tors they’ve ever released. Recorded amidst the wild forests and hills of Woodstock, the creative process was intense yet fulfilling. They described it as a whirlwind of noise, laughter, and cutting through the nonsense until their vision became clear. Inspired by the magical environment and Felice’s mentorship, they produced their strongest songs yet. 

The Miracle EP is their debut record under Glassnote Music and was recorded during three visits to Woodstock, where they collaborated with producer Simone Felice (known for his work with artists like Noah Kahan, The Lumineers, and Jade Bird). The combination of an inspiring collaborator and the rich scenery and history of Woodstock brought out the best in the band. Felice praised their ability to create emotional singalongs that have the power to heal and unite souls.

The first three songs on the album are all previously released tracks. The EP opens with the title track, ‘Miracle’, which debuted in September 2023 and quickly gained millions of views on social media for its acappella renditions. The song captures a bittersweet optimism akin to Coldplay, blending infectious piano and drums with lyrics about pursuing dreams against the odds. The band describes it as a reflection of their own journey, battling to keep going despite challenges.

Following ‘Miracle’ is ‘Tell You’. It’s a heartfelt exploration of unspoken emotions, with heartfelt lyrics contemplating what could have been said to a loved one. The band shares the sentiment of missed opportunities and unresolved feelings. The first release of 2024, ‘Happy Enough’, marks the third track on the record. Known for their soaring melodies and insightful lyrics, Tors maintains their signature style while infusing a more dynamic sound. The song delves into the pitfalls of chasing fleeting happiness, urging listeners to embrace life’s complexities rather than seeking superficial joy.

The first new track, ‘Still Life’, also stands as the focus of the EP. This song radiates the essence of Woodstock. With its lively guitar-driven melody, it’s a tune that seems tailor-made for epic journeys into the unknown. Yet, despite its uplifting vibe, it carries a touching undertone, mourning a relationship as it nears its end. The band explain, “Still Life is about realising you’re in a relationship stuck on autopilot. You’re both going through the motions of what you’ve been told love should be like, feeling comfortable but not truly happy. It’s a final call to action, knowing that if you don’t make a change now, you might remain stuck forever.”

The last song released before the EP’s arrival is ‘Only For You’. The song stands apart from Tors’ usual style, yet it encapsulates everything we admire about the band. Its naturalistic sound, with warm, subtle instrumentation, highlights its well-known vocal harmonies. While their songs often delve into relatable but troubled experiences, from break-ups to unfulfilled dreams, ‘Only For You’ is a sincere love song that lays bare its emotions. Tors revealed, “Only For You is a rarity for us. We don’t usually write love songs, fearing we might sound insincere or overly sentimental. But this song felt different. It came to us quickly and expressed our emotions honestly and rawly, unlike anything we’ve done before. Written in a studio in Woodstock between takes, we recorded it that evening, untouched since then. What you’re hearing is exactly how we played it the very first time.”

Completing the six-track Miracle EP is another new song, ‘Heavy Hearts’. Representing the growing depth and beauty of Tors’ sound, it captures the ache of being physically close to someone yet emotionally distant. “Heavy Hearts is a sort of apology, written during a challenging time when we had to confront our mistakes and stop blindly running. It’s a plea to the person you love, begging for forgiveness for the parts of yourself you’re most ashamed of and scared to reveal.”

The Miracle EP will soon be available in various formats, including vinyl, deluxe green vinyl, CD, and cassette, along with innovative patches granting access to bonus digital content. Tors celebrated the release with a live performance and signing at Rough Trade East on May 2nd. Their upcoming UK tour is mostly sold out, as are all North American headline shows for next month, with high demand for their European gigs in September. More information and points of purchase are available here. In essence, the album showcases their talent for emotionally resonant songs, offering glimpses into their journey from chasing dreams to grappling with matters of the heart and happiness.

Written by: Ilse Muis

Edited by: Molly Day