Born in London and based in Southampton, England, Milly Thimaras is a singer, songwriter, and performer whose dynamic songwriting is met with a stellar vocal performance on ‘Let the Children Play’, her latest single. The anthemic pop single is defined by its crisp production and roomy instrumental parts, each one exquisitely played. The song can also be defined by its exceptionally bold mid-section. A hellish rap section that sees the song disintegrating underneath, Thimaras’s songwriting skills are all under the spotlight on ‘Let the Children Play’, and they deliver a theatrical performance.

The punchy drums, airy pads, and utterly solid and soulful guitar parts all give the song the air of Fleetwood Mac’s instrumental tightness with a hint of timeless pop appeal that’s derived from the confidently flowing chord progressions. Thimaras’s vocals are dripping with a retro soul charm that makes listening to the vocals on their own a rather rewarding experience. The bold midsection sees Milly delivering a spoken/rapped part as the rhythm falls apart beneath, creating disconcerting chaos that mirrors the exasperation in her words, before collecting itself back again, rising from the ashes for a rewarding finale.

Inspired by the tragedies in Ukraine, Milly Thimaras and song co-writer and guitarist Laurence Henderson manage to craft a brilliant pop rock anthem that’s rightfully bold and angry, but also rather timeless, crisp, and sonically dazzling. ‘Let the Children Play’ is a stunning single with a profound drive.