THUNDERBIRD – Thunderbird (2018)
Formed by ex members of Lee Aaron Band and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Canadians THUNDERBIRD are releasing today their new album, self-titled as “Thunderbird“. This is my first approach to Thunderbird (this is their third album) and from the press sheet they promise a fresh take over the classic hard rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s with lots of melody and soaring vocals.
Interesting premise, but what really piqued my interest in first place were two facts: the lead vocalist is talented Marc LaFrance recorded a very good melodic rock album back in 1994 and sung backing vocals in countless 80s classic albums of Loverboy, Mötley Crüe, David Lee Roth, The Cult, etc.
The other attraction is that legendary Mike Fraser (Van Halen, Aerosmith mixed the album, and mastered by Adam Ayan (Def Leppard, Queen) at Gateway Mastering.
You can tell Thunderbird’s members experience since the first bit: these are seasoned musicians in true classic rock. Additionally, the band add their own spin on a couple of tracks to provide variation such as string arrangement and jazzy piano.
The band’s former guitarist Rod ‘Doc’ Coogan was unable to take part this time due to other commitments, and rising young talent Brice Tabish joins Thunderbird on guitar. Anyway, Coogan still makes a welcome appearance with the guitar solo on opening track “Liar (Fool’s Gold)”, a dynamic tune driven by a great riffs and the big vocals of LaFrance. Call me nuts, but I hear some early Rainbow / Kansas on this opening track.
“Little Jenny” continues this raw energy and the solo smokes, and that vibe continues seamlessly on into “Rain”, which is backed by the frenetic guitar and vocal combo of “Into The Sun”.
There is a darker vibe on “Painted Lady” as some classic metal influence of yesteryear can be heard. The grinding guitars and staunch vocal delivery set the mood perfectly.
This continues on “Revolution” as well with some strong guitar tones.
The band shows their range with “Man Of Clay” as they head into ballad territory. The lyrics take on some pretty heavy material to make the listener think.
I assumed the following track “I’m With You” may continue that softer side but the energy was turned back up to 11 for a head-banging good time, which in turn is backed by the foot-tapper “On The Brink”. Another brilliant cut is the following midtempo gem “King Rat”.
The album closes with the innovative roar of “Vampire” which includes a string section. This adds another log to the fire that is Thunderbird. Whether you yearn for a hard rock past or want to add some raw rock energy to your future, this is the record for you.
“Thunderbird” is simply chock full of strong songs inspired by classic hard rock greats combining heavy guitars, blistering solos, driving rhythms and cultured vocals.
But the special thing about this band / album is that they avoid the common places: this is elaborated classic rock / hard rock with progressive elements yet not oriented to virtuosity, but to expand the sound and create something original.
And they did it. Thunderbird is a quite unique band in the current classic rock scene, fresh, always interesting and surprising, however never losing the necessary hard rock bite, melody and catchiness.
LaFrance is a star, singing each song with different approach hence never boring, the guitar work is sharp, and production / mix excellent.
Don’t miss “Thunderbird”, a really different band / different album, and a very, very good one.
HIGHLY Recommended
01 – Liar (Fool’s Gold)
02 – Little Jenny
03 – Star
04 – Rain
05 – Into the Sun
06 – Painted Lady
07 – Revolution
08 – Man of Clay
09 – I’m with You
10 – On the Brink
11 – King Rat
12 – Vampire
Formed by ex members of Lee Aaron Band and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Canadians THUNDERBIRD are releasing today their new album, self-titled as “Thunderbird“. This is my first approach to Thunderbird (this is their third album) and from the press sheet they promise a fresh take over the classic hard rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s with lots of melody and soaring vocals.
Interesting premise, but what really piqued my interest in first place were two facts: the lead vocalist is talented Marc LaFrance recorded a very good melodic rock album back in 1994 and sung backing vocals in countless 80s classic albums of Loverboy, Mötley Crüe, David Lee Roth, The Cult, etc.
The other attraction is that legendary Mike Fraser (Van Halen, Aerosmith mixed the album, and mastered by Adam Ayan (Def Leppard, Queen) at Gateway Mastering.
You can tell Thunderbird’s members experience since the first bit: these are seasoned musicians in true classic rock. Additionally, the band add their own spin on a couple of tracks to provide variation such as string arrangement and jazzy piano.
The band’s former guitarist Rod ‘Doc’ Coogan was unable to take part this time due to other commitments, and rising young talent Brice Tabish joins Thunderbird on guitar. Anyway, Coogan still makes a welcome appearance with the guitar solo on opening track “Liar (Fool’s Gold)”, a dynamic tune driven by a great riffs and the big vocals of LaFrance. Call me nuts, but I hear some early Rainbow / Kansas on this opening track.
“Little Jenny” continues this raw energy and the solo smokes, and that vibe continues seamlessly on into “Rain”, which is backed by the frenetic guitar and vocal combo of “Into The Sun”.
There is a darker vibe on “Painted Lady” as some classic metal influence of yesteryear can be heard. The grinding guitars and staunch vocal delivery set the mood perfectly.
This continues on “Revolution” as well with some strong guitar tones.
The band shows their range with “Man Of Clay” as they head into ballad territory. The lyrics take on some pretty heavy material to make the listener think.
I assumed the following track “I’m With You” may continue that softer side but the energy was turned back up to 11 for a head-banging good time, which in turn is backed by the foot-tapper “On The Brink”. Another brilliant cut is the following midtempo gem “King Rat”.
The album closes with the innovative roar of “Vampire” which includes a string section. This adds another log to the fire that is Thunderbird. Whether you yearn for a hard rock past or want to add some raw rock energy to your future, this is the record for you.
“Thunderbird” is simply chock full of strong songs inspired by classic hard rock greats combining heavy guitars, blistering solos, driving rhythms and cultured vocals.
But the special thing about this band / album is that they avoid the common places: this is elaborated classic rock / hard rock with progressive elements yet not oriented to virtuosity, but to expand the sound and create something original.
And they did it. Thunderbird is a quite unique band in the current classic rock scene, fresh, always interesting and surprising, however never losing the necessary hard rock bite, melody and catchiness.
LaFrance is a star, singing each song with different approach hence never boring, the guitar work is sharp, and production / mix excellent.
Don’t miss “Thunderbird”, a really different band / different album, and a very, very good one.
HIGHLY Recommended
01 – Liar (Fool’s Gold)
02 – Little Jenny
03 – Star
04 – Rain
05 – Into the Sun
06 – Painted Lady
07 – Revolution
08 – Man of Clay
09 – I’m with You
10 – On the Brink
11 – King Rat
12 – Vampire
Marc LaFrance – lead vocals and vocal arrangements
Brice Tabish – guitars
Rob Becker – bass
Kelly Stodola – drums, percussion
guests:
Rod ‘Doc’ Coogan – guitar solo on 1
Chris Gestrin – piano
Peter Allen – strings conductor on 12
BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/Thunderbird-Explicit/dp/B07BNCNQKW
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