Little Wars
Thunderbird Divine
To work in a Stoner Metal/Rock way is something that demands a lot of creativity of the musicians, because it’s needed to avoid what others already did on one side; on the other side, it’s a matter od courage to work on a trench where names as CATHEDRAL, SOUNDGARDEN, MONSTER MAGNET, KYUSS and many others worked on the 90s. Then what can THUNDERBIRD DIVINE do in such scene with its new album, “Little Wars”? The band’s music is mature and full of energy, a kind of Stoner Rock form with adds inherited from Space Rock/Psychedelic Rock (maybe influences inherited from HAWKWIND) and Hard Rock from the 70s (pay attention on the keyboards, especially on “Times Gone Bad”), but always with gross and greasy melodies natural for North American bands.
It’s very good to hear such form of music, that even not being the most original one of the World, it’s always good when the band is doing something honest. The production (done by the band itself) was done in the following sense: to catch the band’s playing in the most organic and uncompromised way, with the musical instruments set on what they are used to on rehearsals and shows. The result is something raw and thunderous, but understandable and full of energy. And as guests, here are Nia Primus, Emily Boland and Sarah Marie White on the backing vocals.
On the tracks, the fans of such genre will love to hear what is offered on “Pony Express”, “Times Gone Bad” (a greasy and rough song with nasty guitar riffs and charming Hammond-like keyboards), “Last Laugh” (a very good dose of groove and Boogie Rock elements can be heard, with good bass guitar and drums parts), “Black Rhino Mantra” (again fine influences from Boogie Rock are heard), “These Eyes” (touches from BLACK SABBATH’s influences are heard here), “Cerebral Tides”, “Highway Dawn” (fine vocals, indeed), “Old Black Crow” (good touches from Country Rock and Southern Rock can be heard on this one) and “Carousel”. It’s a ‘hear-like’ case, you know.
THUNDERBIRD DIVINE presents an ample set of musical possibilities on “Little Wars”, so listen to it and enjoy the ride.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Little Wars" Track-listing:
- Pony Express
- Times Gone Bad
- Last Laugh
- Black Rhino Mantra
- These Eyes
- Cerebral Tides
- Highway Dawn
- Old Black Crow
- Carousel
Thunderbird Divine Lineup:
Erik Caplan - Vocals, Guitars
Joshua Adam Solomon - Bass, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Jack Falkenbach - Keyboards
Mike Stuart - Drums
More results...