If you are looking to
Thunder's latest
"Bang!" for innovation you are not searching for the right band.
Thunder nailed their sound way back two decades ago on "Backstreet Symphony" and haven't looked back since. It's been all blues-rock in a metallic twist with little to no deviation from their norm. Consistency is the key in the
Thunder lock and they have certainly turned it up for this latest's albums expectations as it delivers on all anticipated accounts.
The last few from Bowes, Morley and the guys have been fairly by-the-numbers affairs. A fact that no one wanted to complain about because their multi year absence left a gaping hole in the genre niche that they had always filled out so nicely. There's really few bands you could directly compare them to. Sure they have swiped a good chunk of sound from contemporaries and heroes as Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Bad Company, Free and others. Yet this does not clearly define their sound, nor completely describe it. There are other elements too and with Luke Morley's slick riffs and Danny Bowes unique voice, there's no mistaking them for anyone else.
They have been going through these motions so long they could replicate their sound in their sleep (and they probably do). So thankfully the latest
Thunder album sounds like a
Thunder album, and that is probably the most important selling point of all. A true arena rockin' track here, a low tempo blues burner mourner here, a dash of funky blues rock on the side. It's the same every album.
Inspiration may have sagged previously on the softer "Robert Johnson's Tombstone", which was an alright album in its own right though filed down to a lower tempo smoothness around its edges, but the cutely titled
"Bang!" discovers a flash of that lost fire sparking around somewhere and lets the metal loose on a few choice occasions. Opening the album with all the fanfare the title suggests,
"On the Radio" is a taunting song that downright dares radio to give this some air time, all the while letting loose one of those forbidden words that will clearly keep it from getting any airplay what-so-ever. Belted loud and proud right before the chorus, it's quite the blatant message they are sending, and one they have every right to preach. A true rocker that sounds great and has a pumping, powerful rhythm. It's the kind of feel good, upbeat track that would make for a rational single pick.
"Stormwater" is cranked bluesy radio rock, reminding one of another British rocker band that often has blues in their makeup,
UFO perhaps.
"Candy Man" pops out the driving drums and lyrics shaping a simple rock tale of low cash, a prostitute and her ah, renter? john? whatever you wish to call it - for a night of debauchery all tied up in the pounding whims of "Backstreet Symphony" type rock (and roll). "Have Mercy" is acoustic, long buildups a'la Led Zeppelin, noticeable in the song structures and guitars.
"Watching Over You" is smoother, catchier and hitting that
Thunder love-ballad target. Bowes and Morley are at their collaborative best when dealing in the business of the ballad trade. All the trails and pains of a stalkerish, unrequited love. But he's watching from a far... oh yes. A bit down n dirty in the devilish blues rock gutter before punching you straight in the gut with a cranking chorus and wailing guitars gets you the
"Miracle Man". "Turn Left At California" has that psuedo American rock vibe. It's all drunk with a beach view of chicks in scanty attire. The song is loaded up on the sounds of harmonica, banjos and organic sounds such as handclapping. Stripped, laid back of sorts and rhythmic based.
"Love Sucks" takes it back to the arena. Big, fat sound overall sound further defined by a rumbling bass threat, quirky guitar riffs and a chorus that will slay 'em when performed on stage. Another fun rocker here, that loudly declares that "Love sucks!" Oh indeed. Too much whine can certainly dilute your emotional view (or is that...wine?)
"One Bullet" "Once the horse has run you can't go back and shut the gate"... true. A thought provoking mid tempo track that tackles a heavy message on the corruption and neglect of our youth. It's definitely dramatic and worth hearing but the depressing bleakness of a problem that has no clear cut solution makes it a well played downer - as intended. Though perhaps it's a bit too overly doomsday and blackness.
"Honey" "I'm in pieces but I'm not dead yet"... mdtempo rock that has heart and a clever bite
"pain that won't last, no more than a million days." Cuts to the bone, no remorse, and who says forgiveness has to be quick? Or even come at all?
The favorite moment comes toward the beginning of the album, on
"Retribution". It's a ballad of sorts. Softer than most, but missing the love angle that usually is associated with ballads. Here is a guy mulling over his dire luck and blackened fate, wondering just what kind of evil he had wrought in his life to be so deserving of such a foul turn of events. Clever lyrics sung by a morosely bewildered Bowes comes off as memorable, heartfelt and a track that most of us can connect to at some point in our ever shifting lives. It's very resminiscent of their Bowes/Morley "BBQ" project from a few years back, brimming in substance and offering a cracked heart.
Recorded in a castle over the period of three months,
"Bang!" comes off as a pretty solid album for the
Thunder catalogue. It won't win over any new converts, and the coverart may look like a low budget garage band's art after their artist bailed on them, but there is alot of fun to be had in the album. Clicking choruses, alot of bluesy rock sporting a heavy side and a few other stormy passages along the way. It's everything you'd want in a modern day
Thunder release (well for the most part) and that's more than enough to satisfy those looking for the next fix of that bluesy rock done the English way.
Written by
Alanna Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Show all reviews by AlannaRatingsAlanna: 7.5/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
This article has been shown 2755 times. Go to the
complete list.
