True North: No Exit Wound
True North’s first single “No Exit Wound” carves a path through emotion, groove, and grit
By Jack Rush
With their soul-stirring debut single, No Exit Wound, New Zealand collective True North emerge as a compelling new voice at the crossroads of rock and soul. Fronted by seasoned songwriter and musician Tones Thorburn—formerly of Stormporter and Late Model European—True North introduce themselves with a track that’s both emotionally charged and musically rich, blending old-school flair with modern introspection.
From the first few bars, No Exit Wound sets the tone with a groove-laden rhythm section and a lush tapestry of soulful instrumentation. The track simmers with emotional weight, driven by a unique interplay of male and female vocals—courtesy of Thorburn and the ever-soulful Sandy Mill (The Bellbirds, Basement Jaxx). Their voices weave through vintage organs, fuzzy guitars, and bluesy pianos to create a sonic atmosphere that is at once haunting and hopeful.
Produced by the acclaimed Ben King (Goldenhorse, Grand Rapids), the track benefits from a stellar lineup of New Zealand musicians: Matthias Jordan (Pluto) on keys, Milan Borich (Pluto) on drums, and King himself on bass and backing vocals. Adding a familial touch are Edith and Clementine Bainbridge-King on percussion, making this a true ensemble effort with heart at its core.
Lyrically, No Exit Wound explores themes of resilience, inner turmoil, and transformation. Thorburn describes its creation as “quite the ride, with some of life’s speed bumps thrown in along the way,” emphasizing a deep personal connection to the track. That honesty radiates through the song’s poetic storytelling and soulful delivery, creating a listening experience that feels intimate yet universally relatable.
The accompanying self-produced music video mirrors the song’s lyrical core, reflecting a battle between light and darkness—a visual metaphor for faith, love, and the enduring human spirit.
As the first taste of an upcoming EP or full-length album slated for later this year, No Exit Wound makes a powerful statement. It doesn’t just mark the beginning of a new project—it announces True North as a band with something real to say and the musical chops to back it up.
Verdict: A slow-burning gem that builds its emotional intensity with every listen, No Exit Wound is a confident debut from a band unafraid to dig deep. With its soulful sincerity and seasoned musicianship, True North's future looks bright—and beautifully grounded.
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