Thunder will release a brand new studio album ‘Rip It Up’ on 10th February 2017 through earMUSIC.
The band’s eleventh album features eleven brand new songs recorded in 2016, and is proof positive that this is a band that exists only to push itself and aim higher.
Following on from the Top Ten success enjoyed by previous release ‘Wonder Days’, ‘Rip It Up’ – as the title suggests – sees Danny Bowes, Luke Morley, Ben Matthews, Chris Childs and ‘Harry’ James stretching themselves musically, lyrically and creatively.
Frontman Danny said simply, “After the positive reaction to Wonder Days we were very happy, and it justified the approach we took in the writing and recording. We decided to push it further on all fronts this time, to see what happened, and I think it shows in the writing and the individual performances.
“We couldn’t have made this album 10 or even 5 years ago, we weren’t good enough! We’re really looking forward to playing the new tunes live alongside the more established ones”. Fans don’t have to wait long, the band will embark on a nationwide UK tour in March.
This album comes nearly three decades into their career and, if 27 is normally famed and feared as the rock milestone at which many of the great and the good have had their creative flames extinguished, then Thunder have arrived with a bulging bag of tunes, a notebook of great lyrics, a jerrycan of petrol, and a match.
There are rockers, like the incendiary title track, ripsnorters like ‘She Likes The Cocaine’, whilst songs like ‘Right From The Start’ take the pace down, but turn the intensity up. Whilst the album closes out with the stylish blues-tinged melancholia of ‘There’s Always A Loser’, it’s clear that the band have continued with their winning ways.
After a Summer of great gigs including killer performances at Ramblin’ Man and Steelhouse Festival, the quintet know what works and how to pace a set of songs.
Title track ‘Rip It Up’ is more than just a great and contemporary rock track, it’s a statement of intent. Thunder, as Danny sings, “Don’t do subtle, don’t rely on luck,” there’s quality in depth and style to burn here. Thunder have never sounded so intent or intense and, whilst this album cleaves to what made the band’s fans fall in love with them originally, there’s risk taking and ambition aplenty here. Thunder have no interest in taking the easy way.
Tracklisting
No One Gets Out Alive / Rip It Up / She Likes The Cocaine / Right From The Start / Shakedown / Heartbreak Hurricane / In Another Life / The Chosen One / The Enemy Inside / Tumbling Down / There’s Always A Loser
Since forming in 1989, the Londoners have established themselves among the UK’s most consistent attractions, notching up some twenty Top Fifty singles, 2 gold albums, and cultivating a well-deserved reputation as consummate live performers. The band’s sound is a timeless marriage of unforgettable melodies and sheer rock power.
Tour Dates
MARCH 2017
Fri 17th – Manchester Apollo SOLD OUT
Sat 18th – Sheffield City Hall SOLD OUT
Sun 19th – Newcastle City Hall
Tue 21st – Leicester De Montfort Hall
Weds 22nd – Glasgow Clyde Auditorium
Fri 24th – Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
Sat 25th – Southampton Guildhall SOLD OUT
Sun 26th – Ipswich Regent Theatre
Tues 28th – London Eventim Apollo
Thurs 30th – Dublin Vicar Street
Fri 31st – Belfast Mandela Hall
