Thunderbirds Are Now! – 'Make History’ (French Kiss) Released 20/11/06

It’s hard to know what to expect when faced with a band whose name is as painful and confusing as Thunderbirds Are Now! Luckily the music on their third album, ‘Make History’, speaks for itself (and that’s it for references to 1960s puppet-based children’s TV shows). Wielding a host of angular guitar riffs, driving baselines and shouty vocals, it’s no surprise that the Detroit four-piece hail from the same label as American post-punkers Les Savy Fav and The Hold Steady. But what makes ‘Make History’ stand out from its crowd of musical cousins is the surprise injection of pop melodies and production. Yes there are sharp, cold riffs reminiscent of the likes of Bloc Party, but there are also perfect sing-along choruses, and even songs in major keys!
 
Take the opening track ‘Panthers In Crime’ which sets the scene for the whole album through a minute of dreamy harmonic chanting before launching into a storm of noise that’s both aggressive and joyous at the same time. Then there’s ‘The Veil Comes Down’ a mix of quirky keyboards and pounding bass, while ‘Open Us Up’ combines haunting chimes with a wall of guitar sound. The vocals of singer Ryan Allen, meanwhile, have an essential warmth behind his nasal drawl typical of American indie rock stars.
 
But while the clever dual production of 'Make History’ never feels gimmicky, it is far too often used as a crutch for the album’s less memorable songs, and the second half of the record never quite lives up to the exciting promise of the first few songs. (This, of course, is the part of the review where the writer is supposed to say that Thunderbirds Are Now! aren’t going to fulfil their desire to ‘make history’ with this album, but Gigwise, of course, would never fall into that trap.)
 
‘Make History’ is a modern, grown up and often-ambitious record full of shining moments. And yet it frequently lacks that which it so strongly desires – consistently memorable song writing to match its clever design. Thunderbirds Are Now! have found their musical niche; now all they need are a few more tunes. And maybe a better name.