The Thermals, “We Disappear”
Available: Friday via Saddle Creek Records as a download, CD and LP.
The Thermals are, if nothing else, consistent. Hutch Harris (vocals, guitar) and Kathy Foster (bass, vocals) have been churning out rock records of the indie/punk-leaning variety every two to three years since their Sub Pop debut in 2003. That album, “More Parts Per Million,” was a scuzzier low-fi offering with Harris famously performing all parts himself and assembling a band around it to tour. Since that debut, The Thermals released their second and third full-lengths for Sub Pop, a couple for Olympia, Washington, label Kill Rock Stars, and have now released their second long player for Saddle Creek Records of Omaha, Nebraska. Seven proper albums in all, released by three prominent indie/mid-indie record labels. All three labels suitable for their particular, consistent brand of rock ’n’ roll.
“We Disappear” has the telltale Thermals attributes of seemingly personal, sometimes politicized lyrics. Simple chorded progressions, check. Subtle dualing male/female vocals. Indeed. However, this latest album seems less disenchanted and angst-ridden as previous releases. There is more experimenting with noise, feedback, and delay. An excellent listen for the established fan or as an introduction to the band.
Recommended if you are a fan of Jawbreaker, Archers of Loaf or The Ponys
— Jon E. Lynch[email protected]
