A Thousand Mad Things
- Jun 29
- 2 min read
There's something refreshingly fearless about A Thousand Mad Things. While much of modern synth-pop chases polished perfection, William Barradale's project embraces the cracks, the flaws and the emotional chaos that make us human. On his new EP, Hate It, that philosophy doesn't just underpin the lyrics—it defines every soaring melody, shimmering synth and theatrical vocal.
Following the acclaim of his debut release Cry and Dance, Hate It feels like the sound of an artist growing in confidence. Bigger, darker and more sonically adventurous, the five-track collection effortlessly blends nostalgic '80s synth textures with a distinctly modern emotional honesty, creating a record that's as danceable as it is deeply personal.
Opening with "Promises," the EP immediately sets the tone with expansive production, pulsing electronic rhythms and Barradale's rich, almost operatic vocals. It's cinematic from the outset, drawing listeners into a world where vulnerability isn't a weakness but a strength.
Tracks like "Remorse" and "Truth You Seek" continue that journey, balancing introspective lyricism with irresistible synth hooks. There's an unmistakable influence from the golden era of new wave and dark synth-pop, yet nothing here feels like nostalgia for nostalgia's sake. Instead, A Thousand Mad Things takes those familiar sounds and reshapes them into something contemporary and emotionally resonant.
Perhaps the EP's greatest strength is its willingness to confront uncomfortable emotions head-on. Themes of shame, insecurity, desire and self-acceptance run throughout the record, but they're delivered with a sense of hope rather than despair. Barradale transforms deeply personal experiences into songs that feel universal, inviting listeners to find pieces of themselves in every lyric.
Musically, Hate It is packed with standout moments. The synth work is lush without becoming overwhelming, the production feels polished yet organic, and every chorus arrives with purpose. The arrangements are layered beautifully, allowing subtle details to reveal themselves with each listen, while the electronic foundations are complemented by enough grit and edge to stop the record ever becoming overly pristine.
The closing title track, "Hate It," serves as the emotional centrepiece of the EP. It's bold, dramatic and unashamedly honest, perfectly encapsulating the project's central message: accepting your imperfections is often the first step towards moving forward. Rather than offering easy answers, the song embraces complexity, leaving a lasting emotional impact long after the final note fades.
What also becomes clear across these five tracks is just how distinctive Barradale's voice has become. Rich, expressive and packed with character, it provides the perfect counterbalance to the shimmering electronics, giving A Thousand Mad Things an identity that stands apart in an increasingly crowded synth-pop landscape.
Having already earned praise from outlets including NME, BBC 6 Music and Electronic Sound, while supporting acts such as The Human League, Twin Tribes, Pixel Grip and Jessica Winter, it's easy to understand why the buzz around A Thousand Mad Things continues to grow. Hate It doesn't simply build on the foundations of the debut—it raises the bar considerably.
This is synth-pop with heart. It's dramatic without becoming melodramatic, nostalgic without sounding dated and deeply personal while remaining universally relatable. Most importantly, it's a record that rewards repeat listens, revealing new textures and emotional layers every time.
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