Singer songwriter Conn Thornton has had a busy few years. Since transitioning from a classical background to a pop career during the lockdown period, they’ve released a string of singles and three full length albums, gaining critical praise.

Thornton’s current single is a beautiful thing. From its opening notes, blending gentle reverbed guitar against a rhythmic heartbeat, ‘Heaven I’m In Heaven’ taps into an atmospheric sound where dream pop influences collide with thoughtful adult pop. It’s stripped down feel really allows the vocalist to take centre stage, and whether sharing muted sounds or reaching for a fully projected cry, Thornton never sounds less than a hundred percent committed.

Moving through the first verse, the track conjures memories of late period Talk Talk, whilst the more theatrical elements of the vocal owe a little more to Rufus Wainwright and even Sufjan Stevens. What’s clear here, though, no matter which inspiration is taken, is that Conn is in complete command of their art. This presents a performer that doesn’t feel any need to deliver big, immediate hooks; they instinctively know that the marriage of echoing guitar sounds and light piano flourishes will pull at the heartstrings, and for those craving something a little more forthright, the vocal – moving from a light Irish lilt to a full on call to arms – will eventually sell a huge melody; one that’s tinged with sadness, but ultimately built on hope.

Everything here is wonderful, but the final pay off line acts as a solid reminder that, even at times of devastation, communities can find strength to rebuild themselves. “The great work begins”, Thornton tells their audience, borrowing a line penned by playwright Tony Kushner (from “Angels In America”) as “a reminder to rebuild the LGBTQ+ community following the devastation of the AIDs epidemic.”

In Thornton’s own words: “I have repurposed it as a call to stand up for trans people as their human rights are consistently being rolled back by governments that do not see them as equals.”

‘Heaven, I’m In Heaven’ isn’t just a beautiful and bold single – its five and a half minute duration feels positively epic, released at a time when so many singles have dialled back to a streaming-friendly sub-three minute format – its release is important.

Take a listen below.