THUNDER
Robert Johnson's Tombstone
Frontiers Records 2006
www.thunderonline.com

What’s the 4-1-1?
Thunder returns a year later with their eighth release.

Genre
Hard rock / blues rock

The Good
“Robert Johnson’s Tombstone” is an ode to the ax slinger himself. It has a great, strict blues intro that bleeds into the bluesy hard rock that Thunder is known for. “Dirty Dream” is a riff oriented track that peaks during the hook-laden chorus. Vocalist Danny Bowes soulful tones ring out load and clear on “Don’t Want to Talk About Love.” An AC/DC inspired riff dominates “The Devil Made Me Do It,” as Bowes explores his teenage curiosity. Heartache is the focal point that the somber track “My Darkest Hour” revolves around. The soft strings help add to the emotional level. “It’s All About You” follows the same path as the previous ballad, except this time instead of having his heart broken, Bowers expresses his distain for his woman’s ignorance.

The Bad
Nothing notable

The Verdict
Robert Johnson would be glad to know that his style and influence are alive and well. Thunder pump up the distortion and melody of that sound to create eleven tracks that are sure to wake (and rock) the dead.

Did You Know?
Thunder was discovered by Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor.

Rating: out of 5

Related Reviews:
Thunder - The Magnificent Seventh

--George Dionne