Review By Glen Parkes
There are bands who thrive in the studio, and then there are bands who truly come alive when placed in front of an audience. Live captures Thunder in their natural habitat, delivering a sprawling, career-spanning set that celebrates the power, passion, and connection that have defined their reputation for decades. This is not simply a document of a concert; it’s a statement of endurance and relevance from a band that continues to sound hungry and vital.
From the opening rush of “Welcome To The Party”, the album crackles with energy. The performance feels immediate and unfiltered, with the band sounding tight yet loose enough to let songs breathe and evolve. Thunder’s knack for balancing muscle and melody is evident straight away, with big riffs colliding effortlessly with soulful vocal delivery. There’s an unmistakable sense of joy in the playing, as if the band is feeding directly off the crowd’s response.
Tracks like “Higher Ground” and “Don’t Wait Up” hit hard, driven by punchy rhythms and guitars that sound both polished and raw. The live setting gives these songs extra bite, reinforcing their anthemic qualities while injecting a rough-edged urgency that studio versions can’t always capture. The chemistry between band members is clear, with every transition feeling instinctive rather than rehearsed.
Classic material is where Live truly shines. “Low Life In High Places” and “Backstreet Symphony” are delivered with conviction, proving these songs have lost none of their impact over time. The crowd’s presence is felt throughout, adding an extra emotional layer that elevates each performance. Rather than sounding nostalgic, these tracks feel renewed, as if they’re still growing with every outing.
Covers like “Gimme Some Lovin’” and “Dance To The Music” inject a sense of fun into the set, showcasing Thunder’s ability to honour rock’s roots without losing their own identity. These moments provide a welcome lift in pace, reminding listeners that the band’s live shows are as much about celebration as they are about craftsmanship.
The album also gives space to more reflective moments. “Empty City”, “A Better Man”, and “Until My Dying Day” highlight the emotional depth of Thunder’s songwriting, with the live environment enhancing their vulnerability. The vocals here feel particularly powerful, carrying a lived-in quality that adds weight to every lyric.
As the set progresses, the band digs deeper into their catalogue. “Laughing On Judgement Day”, “Like A Satellite”, and “Moth To The Flame” showcase Thunder’s ability to build atmosphere without sacrificing intensity. These performances feel expansive, drawing the listener in and holding their attention through dynamic shifts and carefully controlled pacing.
The latter half of the album is stacked with fan favourites. “Love Walked In” and “River Of Pain” are standout moments, both delivered with raw emotion and precision. These songs underline Thunder’s gift for combining heartfelt storytelling with powerful arrangements, and the audience reaction only amplifies their impact.
The inclusion of tracks like “New York, New York”, “Dirty Love”, and “Everybody Wants Her” keeps the momentum high, while the closing stretch—featuring acoustic and session versions—offers a more intimate send-off. “This Forgotten Town (Acoustic Version)” in particular strips everything back, ending the album on a thoughtful, reflective note that contrasts beautifully with the bombast elsewhere.
Live is a comprehensive and rewarding listen that captures Thunder at their most confident and connected. It’s a testament to a band that understands the power of performance and the importance of songcraft. For long-time fans, it’s a reminder of why Thunder’s live shows are legendary; for newcomers, it’s the perfect introduction to a band still firing on all cylinders.
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