Thundermother’s fourth album, Heat Wave, comes out July 31st and they have one, not so simple goal – Rock ‘n Roll World Domination! And, given the chance Heat Wave sets the stage nicely to achieve that goal. The album is a mix of genre’s that the band from Sweden effortlessly move in and out of. From the classic 70’s sound in a song like “Ghosts” to the punk stylings of “Somebody Love Me,” Thundermother hits all points in-between on this 13 song offering.
Reformed completely in 2017, founder and guitar goddess Filippa Nässil struck gold in finding songstress Guernica Mancini. Giving the songs a unique touch with her blues-soaked voice she melds perfectly with the hard rhythms of drummer Emlee Johansson and Majsan Lindberg on bass. This is a band that plays rock, and puts it right in your face.
Opening the album is “Loud and Alive” which contains very catchy vocals and well crated riffs. This is a good start to the album and we can without any reservation follow the band into the rest of the Heat Wave.
Up next is “Dog from Hell” which truly captures Mancini’s raspy vocals. The tune compares love with a dog from hell, and well, you won’t get any arguments from us. This song will have fans movin’ and groovin’
Thundermother is set to tour parts of Europe later this summer and a highlight of the shows will no doubt be “Back in 76.” This song has audience participation written all over and is an amazing fist in the air banger.
“Into the Mud” is up next and our recommendation is if given the chance – get into the mud with this band. This tune is solid and a bit speedier than previous tunes on the album. It’s a bit of a “pounder” and features Lindberg’s expertise on the bass.
“Heat Wave” is next on tap and has a much more bluesy feel. Again, Mancini’s vocals help set this one apart. And, Nässil really provides an exceptionally controlled guitar solo that proves unequivocally that great solos don’t have to be balls to the walls. The pace changes in this song make this another amazing tune.
The next song on Heat Wave is “Sleep” which is a softer piece. The ballad features Mancini flexing her range.
“Driving in Style” is more like playing in fuckin’ style! This is rough, powerful in your face rock music. It brings the right amount of gnarl with the energy and tension playing off of each other. Johansson has said this is her favorite off the album.
“Free Ourselves,” with its “Thunderstruck” opening brings with it a message of hope and trust. Nässil’s favorite tune encourages us to free ourselves to trust each other. This is one of those songs that harkens back to a time when music proved it can lead us to a better tomorrow. A tomorrow where Thundermother will be out front. This is a true party tune.
From the AC/DC-like “Free Ourselves,” Thundermother then showcases a Little Ole Band From Texas feel on the ZZ Top inspired “Mexico,” and this song is truly en fuego.
“Purple Sky” is up next and is perhaps our favorite piece on the album. Johansson’s drumming is very much a highlight of this song. It encourages every listener to be a warrior and has very good movement, and has quite catchy lyrics, and an outstanding pace.
“Ghosts” showcases a wonderfully crafted 70’s rocker where Lindberg does a great job setting the foundation.
And speaking of the 70s, “Somebody Love Me,” provides a reminder of perhaps the purest form of rock – punk. This song effortlessly moves from punk into the blues and back to punk throughout.
Thundermother close Heat Wave out with “Bad Habits” and it’s a great way to remind folks that they just need to start this album all over again. It’s a pounding, fist in the air rocker that really showcases each member of the band.
Give Thundermother a listen when Heat Wave comes out July 31st. The band is planning a 2020 tour through Germany and Europe in autumn.
By I’m Music Magazine Writer Don Manuszewski
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