Thunder And Rain – Passing In The Night
Self Released – 31 January 2020
Without wishing to enter a debate about the efficacy of categorising or labelling music, for those unaware of Thunder And Rain, Passing In The Night, their third and latest release, would, for me, epitomise the best of the current Americana scene. Eclectic it most certainly is – inspired by a range of genres encompassing bluegrass, classic country, folk and pop, and once described on Wyoming Public Media as “Mountain Made Colorado Country” music, this release was recorded over eight days back in April 2019, immediately after their highly successful tour of the UK.
The development of the band, since its birth in 2013, has not always been plain-sailing. From such highs as being finalists in the 2014 Rockygrass Band competition in Lyons, Colorado and Westword’s Best Bluegrass Band of 2016, the intervening six years have also seen lows, with sundry misfortunes, break-ups and uncertainties. The group have succeeded in making positives out of these hardships, and have produced a memorable album comprising 12 original songs which draw upon their resultant evolution, suffering and aspirations.
On this release, group members are Erinn Peel Lukes, lead vocals, guitar & back-up vocals, Ian Haegele, upright bass, back-up vocals, Dylan McCarthy, mandolin & back-up vocals and Allen Cook, dobro, with guests Natalie Padilla on fiddle, and Chris Herbst on dobro. Recorded at Aaron Youngberg’s Swingfingers Studio, he also contributed banjo on one track.
Whilst the CD cover credits all song arrangements and production to Thunder and Rain, delving deep into the group’s website, it becomes clear that Errin is the main song-writer, either solely or jointly with former group member JP Oates. Further evidence here also exists which confirms that the, at times, confessional nature of the lyrics comes directly from her first-hand life experiences, a fact which certainly adds to the overall impact of the release.
Whilst the musicianship throughout is undeniably of the highest quality, it is the impact of Erinn’s vocals which will leave the most indelible mark for most listeners, powerfully delineating the band’s sound. Often heavenly in its execution, her ability to draw the listener in, with such consummate ease, is an enviable skill.
The driving bluegrass sound of Two Ships, the lyrics of which provide the CD with its title, recounts the end of a relationship, and epitomises the aforementioned musical dexterity and vocal expertise, and will have toes a-tapping. In a very similar vein, both musically and thematically, Make It Better, described by Erinn as ‘my ode to all of those that just don’t know when to stop’ gives full rein to the fiddle talents of guest Natalie Padilla, with the opening lyrics getting straight to the heart of the matter
‘Like a bug and a light
I ran into you last night and I burned up
Even though I know the game
I’m still flyin’ into that flame
When will I have had enough’
Instrumental virtuosity also features prominently on Nobody’s Darlin’ another song originating back in 2018. Its Old-Time flavour sees the musical baton being joyfully passed from one instrument to another, and to these ears, there’s also more than a nod to a traditional Scottish ambience.
Run With You, a song inspired by Oklahoma group Turnpike Troubadours and originally released on a 2015 Thunder And Rain E.P. is given a makeover here, with a change of tempo and losing the drums of the original; in effect, sonically, the result is a totally different song.
With such an enigmatic title as Walk Right Through The Door Of My Heart, one would hope that the ensuing song would match its quality – fear not, it truly delivers. Another piece written at a time when Erinn was vulnerable, from the moment the jaunty opening notes introduce this deceptively simple, sorrowful country song, it is clear that the group are not only keen scholars of musical history but that they are also capable of producing classic country music; in this case, Hank Williams-era sounds spring to mind. Admirers of fine lyrics will surely be moved by lines such as
‘I had a man, but he’s gone
I gave my life for a song
Take the narrow pathway to my bed
And walk right through the door of my heart’
Uncharted, Farewell, the tenth track on the album, and the one featured, at the time of writing, as the group’s official video release, is a stunner, capturing as it does the crystal clear purity of Erinn’s voice to perfection. Perhaps inexplicably, I am also reminded of U2’s Sunday Bloody Sunday (no bad thing). As with much of the album art, there is strong imagery here in the lyrics, encouraging the listener to interpret as they wish, and the song certainly ‘takes me to a dark distant shore in my mind’
Uncharted and Get it Together, two vignettes each less than a minute long provide brief distractions, but there are more high-grade tracks aplenty still to discover. Down A Rabbit Hole, one of many possible contenders for single status, is a breezy effort featuring great harmonies and spirited dobro, House Of Light, a beautifully constructed track, the 60’s folky vibe of 10 Hour Flight and album closer, Wine Weed And You, possibly a nod to Lowell George’s Willin’, which stretches the envelope in terms of a strict definition of ‘country’ and is a fitting track with which to end the release.
Having created a wonderfully warm, almost trade-marked, sound, blending as they do compelling lyrics, delightful vocals and harmonies with lush instrumental arrangements, not to mention infectious choruses, with Passing In The Night, Thunder And Rain have come of age.
To return to the categorisation/labelling theme outlined at the outset, to those who pass genres of music by, because of a perceived dislike of ‘country’, ‘bluegrass’ or ‘Americana’ etc., suspend such thoughts temporarily, and give this album a listen, I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. Passing In The Night is music of the highest calibre, guaranteed to brighten up your life.
https://thunderandrainmusic.com/