The Thermals – Now We Can See

The Thermals

New drummer, new record label, new album and a new fan!

The trio from Portland, Oregon have delivered a slice of alternative indie/punk with such verve, all wrapped up in infectious melodies, that stands out in a city already blessed with musical talent. Bursting into life with ‘When I Died’ the album quickly sets its stall out and is relentless in its pursuit of perfection. The album increases in pace with ‘We Were Sick’ and ‘I Let It Go’ whilst still offering unfettered moments of melodic joy.

A change of direction is afoot as things slow down as we enter the title track, ‘Now We Can See’. Starting off with the meaningless chorus, that sets up camp in your brain and will have you merrily singing along for the rest of the day, you began to wonder how good this album can get. ‘I Called Out Your Name’ sees the beginning of the closing stages and we get to hear the albums first great moment. Reminiscent of The Pixies, we get three minutes of pop perfection that is worthy of global adoration but is more likely to be ignored by the powers that be. It doesn’t seem to be of any consequence to The Thermals, as evidence suggests this is a band that thoroughly enjoys what they do and fame and fortune are of no importance.

‘Liquid In, Liquid Out’ has the band hitting their stride once again. Lyrically more astute than we’ve heard before, the band conjures up an image of early Weezer, fitting syllables cunningly, but never seriously, into the most simplest of melodies. The penultimate track is the highlight of an album already littered with greatness. With an opening line that simply breaks your heart, the song rises to heights of grandeur and sees The Thermals push the envelope further than ever before, and all in three and a half minutes.

On reflection the album easily surpasses your first thoughts during the opening seconds of ‘When I Died’ and should see the band standing shoulder to shoulder with neighbours The Shins and Modest Mouse. No idea is ever overplayed, with most songs running in at the three minute mark, with each second as important as the next to the album. Whilst you might feel short changed at the album running in at only 35 minutes at least you’ll know that those 35 minutes couldn’t have been better spent anywhere else!

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