“The Thrill” by Alana Rich Review: A Cinematic Indie Pop Rush Fueled by Emotion
Gianna P. Basile
Portland-based artist Alana Rich returns with a magnetic and cinematic single that lives up to its title — “The Thrill” immediately pulls listeners into a world of tension, nostalgia, and modern pop bravado. The track marks a bold step in Rich’s evolving discography and builds on her reputation as a genre-blending songwriter with a distinct artistic voice.
From the very first bars, “The Thrill” isn’t content to merely play - it pulses. The production (co-helmed by Justin Sprout with contributions from Samantha Dang and Ken Tran) creates a lush audio landscape where retro-leaning synths meet sleek electronic edges, perfectly reflecting the emotional duality at the song’s core.
Lyrically, Rich navigates risk and reward, desire and hesitation. It’s a narrative built on that fleeting moment just before a big change — that rush of possibility tinged with fear. There’s a cinematic flourish in how she vocalizes these emotional push-and-pulls, conveying both vulnerability and resolve. Rich herself describes the track as “nostalgic, a little dangerous, and a little euphoric,” likening it to “the flicker of something just out of reach.”
Vocally, Rich proves once again why she stands out in today’s indie pop landscape. Her delivery carries equal parts strength and nuance, riding the scintillating production with confidence. It’s a performance that feels intimate yet universally resonant - an ideal combination for a song designed to capture the thrill of uncertainty.
Musically, the track thrives on its contrasts: retro soul textures fused with forward-looking electronic elements, grounded by rhythmic momentum that keeps the pulse racing from start to finish. This blend of styles mirrors Rich’s diverse influences and artistic range, demonstrating her ability to honor musical traditions while crafting something fresh and compelling.
“The Thrill” is more than just a catchy pop single… it’s a carefully crafted emotional experience. Rich channels both the exhilaration and the apprehension that comes with stepping into the unknown, and she does it with a production and vocal finesse that signals real artistic growth. For fans of innovative pop with depth and cinematic flair, this track is a thrill worth chasing.
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