Thunder

Fri 31 Oct 2008

Bang!

1. On The Radio
2. Stormwater
3. Carol Ann
4. Retribution
5. Candy Man
6. Have Mercy
7. Watching over You
8. Miracle Man
9. Turn Left at California
10. Love Sucks
11. One Bullet
12. Honey

Front Cover

For me the arrival of a new Thunder CD is something to look forward to, but is ‘Bang!’ exactly what it says on the tin – or more of a disappointing pop!

I usually listen to new releases in the car and have a nervous excitement as the CD goes in, as a long serving Thunder fan I want it to be as good as previous releases, Robert Johnson’s ‘Tombstone’ or even (if it’s possible) ‘Backstreet Symphony’.

First track ‘On the Radio’ kicks in and thankfully it’s obviously Thunder! The distinct guitar sound, Harry’s driving drums and Danny’s voice are all in place, the song is a (not even thinly disguised) dig at the bands lack of support over the years from mainstream radio, but more importantly to the listener, it’s a great start! ‘Stormwater’ follows the pattern with (if possible) an even more catchy chorus, that days later I am still singing - even this early into the CD I know Thunder are on TOP Form.

One of the great strengths of the band is their ability to vary tempo and styles and mix unexpected sound, but still keep the interest at a high level, ‘Bang!’ is crammed full with twists and turns that keep it riveting form start to finish.

‘Carol Ann’ slows slightly and introduces piano to the sound, but still manages to keep the head nodding with some well place power chords, and has a great solo thrown in.

Then we reach track four (Retribution) while interviewing Danny (lead singer) he had told me this was the least Thunder type track on the album and he was not wrong,its jazzy, acoustic guitar led song with a heavy bass running through it, I’m not sure the band has produced anything like it in the name of Thunder before but believe me after three or four run playings (if you let it) it gets into you – I now love it but it took a while.

For those fans looking for a new ‘Love Walked In’ I think possibly that ‘Have Mercy’ is the track for you. The acoustic intro builds up to the more powerful guitar riffs that make this one stand out for me. The final track ‘Honey’ will also be a strong contender to take your best on CD prize, as it follows the same tried and tested formulae.

The country vibes of ‘Turn Left At California’ is yet again Thunder following a path at a tangent to the norm, this time banjo and harmonica are added to the mix of sound, it is a fantastic testament to Thunder of how versatile they can be and still make it all work.

In conclusion – Thunder have done it again – produced an album of diversity and sublime quality, to keep all us existing fans happy and also loaded it with enough hooks and lines to capture new ones.

I hope the Radio pick up on ‘Bang!’ and give it the airplay it deserves. Maybe this time? Maybe! Keep listening!

'Bang!' is out on the 3rd of November through STC Recordings
Review by Greg Taylor

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