Thundermother – Black & Gold
9/10
Here we have a band that has outgrown its own PR department. PR still wants to use the tried and tested references. The band evolves and takes the references to another level. This is a short description for Thundermother.
The band has widened their reference area greatly. I have to say I have never been one to limit this band to the stereotypical AC/DC & Mötorhead compartment.
Classic influences, yes. But modern rock music should be mentioned, and a far more diverse pool of music that Thundermother dive into these days. There are a few songs on this album that a certain Coverdale probably would have loved to have been Whitesnake songs.
Skid Row must be mentioned as well. I could not give you a song to refer to, but the feeling and attitude from their first two albums resonates here.
If you listen to a song like “Looks, No Hooks” you get more of a Wolfmother, White Stripes vibe. And “Raise Your Hands” gets me to think about Slash, his solo efforts not Guns N´Roses.
The main thing about the album is that compared to “Heat Wave” is that as said, the music is more towards bluesy. But also, Guernica Mancinis voice is a lot bigger on this album. Sure, she had room on “Heat Wave” as well, but the dynamics of her powerful voice does take more room here.
There is a bigger diversity of songs as well. The two ballads “Hot Mess” (Never Say Goodbye by Bon Jovi, anyone?) and “Borrowed Time” showcases more of a sentimental tone in her vocals.
It is not just attitude. Previously there has been more focus on the attitude in my opinion. It is nice to hear that there is more, even if I love the attitude.
Also a few great led foot songs here: “Wasted”, “Loud & Free” and “Try With Love” to mention but a few. Soundtrack to your speeding ticket.
But you also have some more complicated songs. “Watch Out”, even if it is a straight rock song, really challenges Filippa Nässils fingers. It must. The verse is where it gets fiddly, but a nice straight chorus to balance things.
When “I Don´t Know You” starts I almost think that “For Those About to Rock” (AC/DC) is on. But after a familiar intro the song goes more towards a sound that reminds me about the fine times when stadium rock was still all about denim & hairspray.
In the promo material as always, it is mentioned that this is the strongest album by the band so far. This is usually a load of crap. But, in this case I agree 100%.
Thundermother have taken big steps since “Heat Wave”.
Not that “Heat Wave” is a bad album at all. It is good.
But “Black & Gold” is just a lot better and more complete. Well, well done!!
Band: Thundermother
Title: Black & Gold
Label: AFM
Date of release: 2022-08-19
Rate: 9/10
Stand Out Track: Looks No Hooks
Country of Origin: Sweden
Playing Time: 42:38
