Thavoron – ‘Thavoron’ [Album Review]

Based in Seattle, Washington, trans Cambodian American artist Thavoron has released her self-titled third album, an impressive exploration of identity, self-love and acceptance, love and self-sacrifice, human contradiction, and ultimately, fighting to live your own life.

The child of Cambodian immigrants, Thavoron grew up singing in the school choir, teaching herself to play bass and guitar. In 2018, Thavoron started releasing music as Sokeang, followed by releasing her debut EP, Bold. In 2021, she dropped Ugly, her debut album, followed by 2023’s Tommy Loves You.

Thavoron was recorded in her apartment and parents’ home. The title showcases the name her father gave her, which translates to “strong/child of power.”

Encompassing 13 tracks, entry points include “Eastern Cold,” opening on lonely, drifting tones topped by Thavoron’s haunting, dreamy vocals. Whereas “Body” features a gorgeous lingering intro leading into whirling synths, staccato percussion, and luminous, glowing surfaces highlighted by dazzling, edgy guitar solos.

Discussing “Body,” Thavoron says, “I really wanted to just capture queer liveliness. I think it’s something we’ll never be able to see enough of, and I wanted to take my own spin on what that meant to me, and what it feels like to me.”

A personal favourite because of its dual flavours – a light, almost galloping rhythm and Thavoron’s slower, floating vocals – “Forever Young” reveals a lingering kinetic energy that’s warm and beguiling. With its hints of country, “30 Seconds After” evokes a luscious swaying motion that’s sensitive and sensual at the same time.

Thavoron, photo by Maddie Ludgate

The jazz and soul-laced creamy flow of “High” is hypnotic, while the twangy intro of “American Urge” flows into a low-slung roving melody that seeps into listeners’ souls. The trilling-like textures of Thavoron’s vocals imbue the lyrics with the urges of competing emotions and desires.

Thavoron explains, “The inspiration behind ‘American Urge’ was an argument that I got into with my father. Ever since I was little, I’ve always been irritated with my father’s archetype and his idea of success, and the means in which you would have to go to achieve it. He is very inspired by the American dream, as he immigrated here from Cambodia in the ’80s.”

There’s a ghostly, heart wrenching compassion to Thavaron’s voice, an ethereal quality at once vulnerable and unforgettable. Thavoron is a remarkable album.

Thavoron Track Listing:

1. Eastern Cold
2. Sex and a Prayer
3. My Man
4. Body
5. Forever Young
6. 30 Seconds After
7. Eagle
8. High
9. Strong
10. Johnny
11. Everett
12. American Urge
13. Trying

Run Time: 50:23
Release Date: September 13, 2024
Record Label: Trailing Twelve Records