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Thunderbirds Are Now! - Justamustache (Cover Artwork)

Thunderbirds Are Now!

Justamustache (2005)
Frenchkiss Records

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Contributed by: Matt Whelihan
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Published on March 22nd 2005


Justamustache shows that Thunderbirds Are Now! like to have a good time. From the cheerleader chants that open and close the album to the lap pop intros and witty lyrics, the Thunderbirds come off as steadfast optimists. Their sound combines urgent, sassy vocals with bouncy bass, synth hooks, and groove-laden beats. The album never wavers from its non-stop sugar high until near the end with “Bodies Adjust,” and even that is no sad bastard ballad.

Sure, Thunderbirds Are Now! take a lot from label mates Les Savy Fav’s art punk cadence, including jagged yet funky guitars and a hip-shaking rhythm section, but they know how to spike it with just enough variance to create their own cocktail. The high-pitched vocals are much more controlled than that of Tim Harrington’s signature rants, and Thunderbirds Are Now! take full advantage of having a keyboard player by creating parts that range from Rentals-style moog licks to goth-like organs and new wave beeps.

Don’t let the word “dance” scare you off from this album. Again, like label mates Les Savy Fav, Thunderbirds Are Now! know how to mix just enough post punk into their dance textures to make the band more than just a novelty to be thrown on at parties. Songs like “Eat this City” and “Cobra Feet” almost sound like a collaboration between At The Drive-In and the Rapture as they blend pulsing grooves and organs with angular guitar and punk drumming.

Don’t look for artsy interludes, cryptic lyrics, or shocking musical shifts here; Justamustache succeeds because it is fun and accessible. This isn’t a top 10 album, but it is well thought out, catchy, and sure to get even the staunchest of wallflowers tapping their feet.



People who liked this also liked:
The Loved Ones - The Loved OnesThe Clash - London CallingAmerican Steel - Dear Friends and Gentle HeartsAmerican Steel - Rogue's MarchNOFX - The War on ErrorismNOFX/Rancid - BYO Split Series Volume 3NOFX - The Greatest Songs Ever Written (By Us)The Replacements - TimNOFX - Pump Up The ValuumNOFX - Punk In Drublic

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    jt (February 9, 2007)

    good stuff. dig the art-punk

    tristan (December 16, 2005)

    Thunderbirds are Amazing!

    Anonymous (September 10, 2005)

    Amazing live show. Caught em in Boston and they upstaged the headliner

    Anonymous (April 7, 2005)

    Fucking awesome

    Anonymous (March 24, 2005)

    you can't really dig this band until you see them live. they are f-ing good

    Anonymous (March 23, 2005)

    this cd is less blood brothers,more devo. pretty good choice.

    cubaricho (March 23, 2005)

    I dig this album.

    Anonymous (March 23, 2005)

    you can listen to an mp3 here:
    http://www.frenchkissrecords.com/bands_thunderbirds.html

    slippy (March 23, 2005)

    Great live show!

    istapledmyfoot (March 22, 2005)

    You sir, write great reviews.

    Marlon (March 22, 2005)

    It's weird when Pitchfork gives a CD higher grade than PN but regardless I love this CD.

    Anonymous (March 22, 2005)

    Bill Brasky did all the make up for movie Planet of the Apes.

    Anonymous (March 22, 2005)

    Once again, score is for michigan and the midwest.

    -Ken

    kirbypuckett (March 22, 2005)

    I love this record.

    It excites me in the morning.

    - Kirby

    Anonymous (March 22, 2005)

    this cd is totally unstoppable. my album of the year so far.

    Anonymous (March 22, 2005)

    i hate the rapture, so you lost me there.

    I do think they have a good live show.

    wyzo

    Anonymous (March 22, 2005)

    this was a good review... couldn't have put it better myself really

    lostinthecrowd13 (March 22, 2005)

    Great review. Good cd.

    Anonymous (March 22, 2005)

    this cds awesome.

    Anonymous (March 22, 2005)

    Amazing live band, Can't wait to get the cd.

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