Known for their riff-heavy, psychedelic-stoner fusion, Thunderbird Divine has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre with their eclectic sound. Their latest album, Little Wars, out today, is a continuation of their commitment to musical exploration and innovation.
From the opening track, “Pony Express,” Little Wars immerses one in a rich tapestry of sonic textures. The album’s distinctiveness lies in its fearless experimentation with instruments and styles. Erik Caplan’s vocals and multifaceted skills, including instruments like theremin, sitar, drones, and weird stuff, his words, not mine blend seamlessly with Joshua Solomon’s bass lines and Jack Falkenbach’s atmospheric keys and violin. The result is an album that feels both expansive and intimately cohesive.
One of the standout qualities of Little Wars is its organic creation process. Erik emphasises that the band embraced a philosophy of unrestrained creativity, allowing for a wide array of sounds to be explored and incorporated. Tracks like “Black Rhino Mantra” and “Carousel” showcase this approach with their weaving layers of textures and rhythms in each song. The band’s meticulous recording process, from demoing in their rehearsal space to experimenting in the studio, is evident in the album’s detailed sound.
Despite the experimental sounds, the fundamental strength of Little Wars lies in its solid songwriting. The songs are crafted with a keen sense of melody and structure that ensure the album’s adventurous spirit does not overshadow its musical integrity.
Thunderbird Divine’s Little Wars is an invitation to embark on a sonic journey that defies conventions and embraces the unexpected. It’s a sonic odyssey of psychedelic experimentation and perfect for those eager to explore uncharted musical territories.
