The Thermals – Now We Can See
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Ever since they first released More Parts Per Million The Thermals have stuck pretty close to home as far as their sound goes, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. On Now We Can See, the band’s fourth album, we finally get the benefit of listening to the culmination of years on the road and in the studio honing their skill.
Finally the band seems to have reached their apex as far as maturity goes, and it this is probably the most complete album the band has been able to put together. Singer, Hutch, seems to have a great deal more control over his voice in comparison to years past, and the clarity with which he sings allows for the cleverly composed lyrics to shine through. This has always been one of the band’s more overshadowed attributes, but those that have been listening all along will surely be aware of Hutch’s prowess as a wordsmith.
Much will be made about the somewhat gothic approach, as the lyrics tend to show narrators looking back upon life from the beyond; still, the focus seems to look back with a sense of nostalgic accomplishment. The lyrics don’t seem to look back with a sense of resentment or disappointment, but rather reflect a coming to terms with the life one has led, which is probably the best way to approach such morbid subjects.
Of course, most listeners will immediately flock to to the infectious pop single of “Now We Can See” with it’s “oh way oh whoa” chorus of catchiness. This is probably one of the better songs the band has put together, but we all know the band can churn out at least five or six solid tracks per album. What other tunes will listeners identify with you ask?
“At the Bottom of the Sea” is surely a track that exhibits the more mature side of songwriting that the group has taken on in recent years, as the song bares no resemblance to the brashness that accompanies the rest of the album as a whole. It’s as close to a ballad as the band has come, but it still shines with Hutch’s voice bursting through at the appropriate moments. “Liquid In, Liquid Out” is another shocking song, settling in at just under two minutes. This is the most simplistic power-pop the band has produced to date, and the clean quality demonstrates the ability the band has to go off into different ranges.
Fortunately for us, The Thermals seem to be at their best when they are having a blast. Catching their live show, you will immediately pick up on the shared energy between the members in the group. This is the first album where you can really hear the vibrance of the band come through from the studio. You can picture the band having a blast in the studio, and we’re all better off letting them have fun and create such joyful listening experiences.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/09-liquid-in-liquid-out.mp3]Download: The Thermals – Liquid In, Liquid Out [MP3]