Thunder - Please Remain Seated (BMG)

If you thought you knew how Thunder's songs sound you might be in for a bit of a shock here - the band have re-recorded some of their best known and lesser known songs in a new format. Some of the tracks sound so different from the original versions that they are unrecognisable.

The album starts off with Bigger Than Both of Us which now gets a skiffle type make over with the piano adding a new dimension to the sound.

Girl's Going Out Of Her Head would sound more at home being played at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club rather than at a rock venue, this new interpretation is a late night jazzy version.

Empty City gets a blues style new coat of paint. Think Black Velvet by Alannah Miles and you will be on the right track. Like most of the tracks here it sees the band are moving out of their comfort zone.

They even touch a bit of gospel music on Miracle Man, singer Danny Bowes sounding in fine form as usual, though his voice sounds more soulful in this album. She's So Fine sounds better than the original and has a raw edge that was missing from the original version.

Low Life In High Places ends the album, the track was always a ballad and that hasn't changed. Aways one of Thunder's live favourites it sounds like they have got a Welsh Male Voice Choir on the track now.

It will be interesting to see which versions of the songs they will play on the forthcoming UK tour.
The album is out on Friday 18thJanuary. I give the album 4 out of 5.

Thunder play York Barbican on Tuesday 5 February 2019.