Born Rivals is the new musical project of brothers John and Paul Thornley. No strangers to creative differences and emotional tension, they’ve channeled their often-opposing viewpoints into original compositions over two decades of collaboration. After eight years touring and recording in the quartet, U.S. Royalty, the brothers relocated to Los Angeles to focus on a sound that merges the music of their upbringing with new and evolving inspiration.
The Born Rivals sound is rooted in rock and roll, as the brothers rededicate themselves to the first instruments they learned to play: bass and drums. A cinematic, slinky groove winds through each track, revealing influences ranging from 70s-era Italian composers and the late David Axelrod to the iconic guitar sounds of the 90s. Their visual presence is rooted in the family archive, highlighting photos their grandmother has captured since the 1950s.Music is personal; this is personal music.
The latest song, “Volca,” was released December 12, 2017. As part of their “Singles Club”project, Born Rivals will release one song per month, culminating in a series of seasonal EPs.
Make sure to tune in to ALT 98.7 every Sunday at 9pm in December to hear @tobitalks play music from Born Rivals on her #CloseToHome show.