Thunder: Wonder Days

We all know the story: UK Bluesy Rock sensations Thunder split up claiming they'll never perform or record again. Then they're persuaded to return for a few one off shows and before you know they're back on the album, tour, album, tour bus once more. Bang however was it, the final Thunder album ever. No way, nah-nah-nah, no more, there will never be another Thunder album ever again. Until now that is of course...

The band themselves may not be able to make their minds up, but one thing's for sure and that's that their loyal fanbase were always set to welcome this honest, hard working outfit back with open arms and so to Wonder Days. Comebacks can be funny things, the idea of a band returning more enticing than the results and yet with this album Thunder have bucked that trend in remarkable style. Don't get me wrong, even Thunder's average moments have been pretty convincing, however when they get it as perfectly bang on as they have here, then you seriously wonder why radio and TV aren't queueing up to give this lot air time. Shame on you.

There's little point in giving a track by track break down of this album, for you'll soon get bored of me telling you that the restrained bounce of "Black Water" combines Rock and Soul to perfection. That "The Thing I Want" has groove by the gallon and a chorus that's as sticky to the mind as that toffee pudding you simply can't resist. When you add the superb Bad Company like "The Rain" it would be easy to suggest this album has it all, if it wasn't for the fact we've only covered the first four tracks!

Song writer and guitarist Luke Morley has turned producer for Wonder Days and he's done a marvellous job of combining the bite tracks like the fiery "The Prophet" thrive upon, to the smooth clarity the utterly seductive "Resurrection Day" needs to be as irresistible as it is. Unusually Morley was the only guitarist to feature during the recording of this album, rhythm guitarist Ben Matthews receiving treatment for throat cancer at the time – thankfully he's been given the all clear – however as expected he does a sterling job. Singer Danny Bowes puts in yet another in a string of superlative performances, his emotion soaked voice powerful, beautiful and controlled to perfection. How this guys isn't a household name I'll never know; he's genuinely one of the best voices the UK has ever produced. Add in the "in demand" rhythm section of "Harry" James on drums and Chris Childs on bass and is it any wonder these Wonder Days are as power packed and perfectly poised as they are? Not to me and neither should it be to you. In short, Wonder Days is wondrous!

Track Listing
1. Wonder Days
2. The Thing I Want
3. The Rain
4. Black Water
5. The Prophet
6. Resurrection Day
7. Chasing Shadows
8. Broken
9. When The Music Played
10. Serpentine
11. I Love The Weekend

Added: February 15th 2015
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Thunder online
Hits: 2275
Language: english

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