The Thermals - 'Now We Can See' (Kill Rock Stars) Released 06/04/09

In general, you know a three-piece alternative/indie/punk band (self-described) are unlikely to be the most innovative band you have heard in your entire life, but The Thermals are a good reminder that simple rock/pop songs have a worthy place in any music collection.

‘Now We Can See’ finds The Thermals with a new drummer and on a new label but once again delivering back to back power-pop hits. Hooks are strong throughout and although the tracks can occasionally seem indistinguishable they are also equally enjoyable, each encouraging an extra notch on the volume dial. Most notable are opener ‘When I Died’, ‘When We Were Alive’ and obvious single, and title track ‘Now We Can See’ – so unashamedly samey they don’t even seem to try and disguise the fact with individual sounding track titles. Think Pixies, Green Day and Weezer, The Thermals aren’t pioneering a new sound, but this is nonetheless a great album to pick up and throw on.

Considering the exuberant feel of the album with it's singalong choruses and harmonies the lyrics quite often seem morose and reflective. The subject matter is far ranging, from mortality and evolution to war and oppression. Harris delivers each line with preacher-like passion somehow managing to sound simultaneously blunt and vague. Many will likely point out that this album lacks the focus of 2006’s Christian fundamentalist-bashing ‘The Body, The Blood, The Machine’, which may be fair comment, but the group make up for it in progression of their actual sound.

Ending as we began, self-described, this is an album of 3 minute no-fi sonic gems – although I'm not sure they would actually classify as no-fi with sterling production from John Congleton and the definite pop sensibilities. Over-scrutinizing a record like this is unnecessary, The Thermals aren’t redefining any genres, but buy it, turn it up and enjoy it.