There’s something hypnotic about the quiet before a storm, and Artificial Incline—Canada’s hidden gem out of Strathmore—knows exactly how to bottle that tension and release it with an emotional charge. Their latest 3-track single Sound of Thunder, released on March 31, 2025, is a musical weather system of its own. With a title track that pulses like lightning across a midnight prairie and bookends that bring the calm and contemplation, Artificial Incline has proven that they’re not just writing songs—they’re crafting sonic experiences that stick to your skin like humidity before a downpour.
Sound of Thunder is more than just a name; it’s a metaphor for the emotional storm churning inside the heart of this release. Across the trio of songs—“Easy as Breathing,” “Sound of Thunder,” and “Better in Time”—Artificial Incline takes us through a personal landscape built from love, heartbreak, healing, and the kind of hope that only shows itself after the storm has passed. There’s vulnerability in every line, tension in every beat, and a lyrical honesty that can only come from lived experience.
The single opens with “Easy as Breathing,” a delicate yet deceptively powerful track that sets the emotional groundwork. It’s a soft, introspective ballad that captures the way love should feel when it’s right—effortless, natural, essential. With echoing guitar layers and a vocal performance that feels both featherlight and grounded, Artificial Incline pulls the listener into a moment of serenity. But like all things in life and love, stillness can be fleeting.
Then comes the eye of the storm: “Sound of Thunder.” This is where Artificial Incline takes a bold leap forward in both sonic ambition and lyrical depth. The song builds with cinematic intensity—drums that roll like distant thunder, synths that shimmer like lightning across the horizon, and vocals that crackle with restrained energy. It’s the sound of longing meeting loss, of knowing you’re standing in the middle of something bigger than yourself and letting it wash over you anyway. There’s an unmistakable tension that never quite resolves, and that’s precisely what makes it unforgettable. The storm never fully breaks—it just lingers in the background, reminding you that not all emotions come with closure.
Rounding out the release is “Better in Time,” a healing hymn disguised as a closing track. It’s not just a conclusion—it’s a resolution. With gentle acoustic textures and lyrics that lean into the idea of growth through pain, Artificial Incline offers a kind of musical exhale. “Better in Time” doesn’t promise perfection, but it promises movement forward, and in that, it finds a quiet kind of power. The vocals carry the weight of everything that came before but leave just enough space for light to shine through. It’s a tender, mature reminder that even the heaviest storms eventually pass.
One of the most striking things about this release is the cohesion across all three tracks. Each song could stand alone, yet together they form a narrative arc that feels both intimate and universal. Artificial Incline doesn’t just write lyrics—they write feelings. They turn moments into melodies and emotions into echoes. The production is tight but never overworked, allowing the raw emotional core to breathe. It’s clear that every beat, every pause, every sonic choice was made with intention.
Artificial Incline’s quote—“Good things take time”—feels like the quiet thesis of this release. There’s a sense of patience and purpose behind Sound of Thunder, a refusal to rush the process of healing, discovery, or artistry. In a musical world often dominated by instant gratification, this release invites us to slow down, sit with our emotions, and weather the storm.
As 2025 unfolds, Sound of Thunder feels like a declaration from Artificial Incline. They’re not just here to make music—they’re here to make you feel something. And if this 3-track release is any indication of what’s to come, the forecast is clear: more storms, more beauty, and a whole lot more soul.
