Thunder – Wonder days

It’s been a long time since Thunder last released an album – in fact it was a year before their farewell show.  Which one I hear you ask?  I’m referring to the 2009 “20 years and out” farewell shows as opposed to their previous attempt to retire.  Happily retirement didn’t last long and Thunder have done several tours and Christmas shows since then, and now have finally got round to releasing a new album – Wonder Days.

Once you hit play and start listening to the new album it doesn’t take long to realise that Danny Bowes’s voice is still as good as ever – he really does have a great voice, and one that’s instantly recognisable.  Alongside Danny is Luke Morley on guitar.  Due to the absence of Ben Matthews (while he recovers from his tonsil cancer), Luke handles both rhythm and lead guitar parts on the album.  Chris Childs is on bass, and as always Harry James is on drums.  he must be one of the hardest working drummers around since when he’s not playing with Thunder he can be found playing drums for Magnum, Snakecharmer or one of several other bands.

Brief comments on a few tracks…

The album kicks off with the title track, “Wonder days”.  Right from the opening guitar riffs it’s recognisable as thunder, and when Danny Bowes kicks in with his vocals then the album is off to a great start.  Check out this live video of the band performing the song at Loud Park in Japan….

“The thing I want” is a good bet for the first single – a great song with a strong chorus.

“The Rain” sees the electric guitars replaced with a Mandolin and an acoustic guitar as they slow things down with a softer number.  It’s a great song with the vocals and acoustic instruments working really well together, plus it’s a nice change of pace.

“Black water” takes us straight back to the hard rock with a great song that is one of my favourites from the album.

“The prophet” has a fast driving pace led by the guitars.

This is a great album that Thunder fans are going to love – well worth buying.

Thunder are on tour in March with dates in Leeds, Birmingham and London, with Reef and Tax The Heat as support.

“Wonder days” will be released on 16th February 2015

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. Serentine
11. I love the weekend