Following its well-received stage debut in 2018, Lucy Dacus’ ‘Thumbs’ was just a long-awaited track on her third studio album. Nine months later, the fan favourite has had a revamp in the form of ‘Thumbs Again’, adding a more comforting dimension to the song.
Recorded to match the instrumentation of her most recent stage performance, the song still carries the same potent lyrics from the original version. ‘Thumbs Again’ sees a more substantial backing compared to the solo, swirling, electric chords of the original.
A clear, plucked-out acoustic guitar acts as a counter to the main vocal melody, while a light drumbeat and simple bassline power alongside, filling out the track further. Partially drawing from the original styling of ‘Thumbs’, spacey gentle chords peak out at moments of still and sit behind the simple but violent chorus line of, “I would kill him if you let me/ I would kill him, quick and easy”.
The updated instrumental brings a new feel to the song. Gone is the menacing stillness behind Dacus that mirrors her rage towards her friend’s father. In its place, is a warmer track that feels more concerned with the comfort and security of her companion. Her anger is still palpable, the song rises to a crescendo as the track progresses but draws to a chilling calm when the hard-hitting lyrics need to be heard.
Equally as impactful as the original, ‘Thumbs Again’ is a new take on an already excellent track. With its release coinciding with the announcement of her UK and European tour in 2022, fans on this side of the Atlantic can only wait in anticipation to see this rendition of the song live.
Words By Celia Bergin
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