THUNDER – Live at Leeds

The awe-inspiring British rockers Thunder are on grand form on this powerful live recording from the archives, which just goes to show that these gentlemen are at their fiery best when belting it out on stage in front of a loud, appreciative audience. Recorded at First Direct Arena in Leeds back in March 2015 on the very first date of their extremely short UK tour and boasting a great sound with punch and energy to it, the two discs that constitute Leeds are downright electrifying and see each member delivering a magnificent performance and stamping every tune with authority and an overwhelming sense of vigor. This one really took me by surprise in that it now ranks as one of my most treasured releases by the band, which should tell you just how refreshing and enjoyable I am finding this offering. Another brilliant thing about it is that six of its sixteen tracks are from the deftly executed Wonder Days LP, which rightfully garnered a lot of positive feedback when it was released in February 2015. Believe it or not, the live renditions of ‘Black Water’ and ‘Resurrection Day’ come across as even sturdier, heavier, and more heartfelt than their studio counterparts, and the version of ‘Broken’ is simply beautiful.  

Live at Leeds is rich in atmosphere and displays musical class through and through, and the accompanying booklet and its liner notes are superb and surprisingly moving too.