"Thunder Up" Thunder Up is the fifth and final studio album by the British post-punk band The Sound. The Sound, led by the late Adrian Borland, was active during the late 1970s and 1980s. Here's a summary of "Thunder Up":
Release and Context:
"Thunder Up" was released in 1987. It marked a later period in The Sound's discography and represented a departure from their earlier post-punk sound, incorporating more polished production elements.
Musical Style:
The album exhibits a shift toward a more alternative rock and new wave sound compared to the band's earlier post-punk and alternative roots. "Thunder Up" features a mix of energetic rock tracks and introspective, melodic songs.
Key Tracks:
Some notable tracks from the album include "Shot Up and Shut Down," "Sense of Purpose," and "Barria Alta." These songs showcase The Sound's ability to blend Borland's distinctive vocals with a mix of atmospheric and driving musical arrangements.
Lyricism:
Adrian Borland's lyrics on "Thunder Up" reflect his introspective and poetic style. The themes often touch on personal struggles, introspection, and social observations, a characteristic feature of Borland's songwriting throughout The Sound's career.
Critical Reception:
"Thunder Up" received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics appreciated the band's exploration of new sonic territories, others found it less consistent than their earlier works. Despite the mixed reviews, the album has gained a cult following over the years.
Legacy:
The Sound's legacy has grown over time, with the band being recognized for their contribution to the post-punk and alternative music scenes. Adrian Borland's tragic death in 1999 brought attention to his prolific but sometimes underappreciated career.
Later Recognition:
In retrospect, "Thunder Up" and The Sound's later works have gained renewed interest, with some critics and fans reevaluating their significance within the context of the band's evolution and the broader alternative rock movement of the 1980s.
