Album Reviews

It has somehow already been 10 years since the Thermals released their swan song album, We Disappear. Since then, frontman Hutch Harris has treated us to a couple of solo albums, which were all fine and dandy, but they weren’t Thermals albums. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones who missed those, which is how come we are now listening to Under Crushing Rain. And as soon as “Good Morning Fellow Scavengers” bursts out of the speakers in the most jubilant of ways, I found myself realizing just how much I needed a new Thermals album.

Never has wanting to go to “A Dark, Dark Place” sounded more appealing, “Now I Believe” converted me instantly as well, and “In The Flow” has a twee pop thing going on that is utterly charming. Elsewhere, the synth-enhanced “I Will Be Delivered” is downright danceable while the title track finds the right balance between twee and jangle pop.

Written and recorded entirely by Harris himself at his own studio and released via his own label, Under Crushing Rain goes back to the band’s debut album More Parts Per Million. In less of a no-fi fashion, but not quite as polished as the band’s later albums either. Instead, you are treated to ten indie-punk tunes that are the right kind of scrappy and prove once again that cynical lyrics and upbeat earworms are the best combo ever.

Under Crushing Rain track listing:

1. Good Morning Fellow Scavengers
2. A Dark, Dark Place
3. Spirit Collector
4. Now I Believe
5. In the Flow
6. I Have Had Enough Blood
7. I Will Be Delivered
8. Angel Eyes Are Always Watching
9. On A Wind So High
10. Under Crushing Rain