Since forming in 1989, Thunder have established themselves among the UK’s most consistent attractions, notching up some twenty Top Fifty singles, 2 gold albums, and cultivating a welldeserved reputation as consummate live performers. The band’s sound is a timeless marriage of unforgettable melodies and sheer rock power. Their sensational return with their recent Classic Rock Award nominated album, “Wonder Days” in 2015 – a top 10 release in their home country UK as well as a Top 40 release in Germany – was praised as both “brilliant” (Classic Rock) and “amazing sounding” (Metal Hammer), with Kerrang! crediting the band for “the best songs they’ve recorded in a decade” and Record Collector adding “top form” to the mix.

‘Rip It Up’ is Thunder’s Eleventh album – and is a proof positive that this is a band that exists only to push itself and aim higher. The album – as the title suggests – sees Danny Bowes, Luke Morley, Ben Matthew, Chris Childs and ‘Harry’ James stretching themselves musically, lyrically and creatively.

This album comes nearly three decades into their career and, if 27 is normally famed and feared as the rock milestone at which many of the great and the good have had their creative flames extinguished, then Thunder have arrived with a bulging bag of tunes, a notebook of great lyrics, a jerrycan of petrol, and a match. There are rockers, like the incendiary title track, ripsnorters like ‘She Likes The Cocaine’, whilst songs like ‘Right From The Start’ take the pace down, but turn the intensity up. Whilst the album closes out with the stylish bluestinged melancholia of ‘There’s Always A Loser’, it’s clear that the band have continued with their winning ways.

After a Summer of great gigs including killer performances at Ramblin’ Man and Steelhouse Festival, the quintet know what works and how to pace a set of songs. Title track ‘Rip It Up’ is more than just a great and contemporary rock track, it’s a statement of intent. Thunder, as Danny sings, “Don’t do subtle, don’t rely on luck,” there’s quality in depth and style to burn here. Thunder have never sounded so intent or intense and, whilst this album cleaves to what made the band’s fans fall in love with them originally, there’s risk taking and ambition aplenty here. Thunder have no interest in taking the easy way. ‘Rip It Up’ is a welcome addition to the Thunder catalogue, but more than that it represents another step up, another leap forwards. This is a band with a happy knack for crafting stone cold rock classics – but they’re not so interested in adhering to the rule book… ‘Rip It Up’? Too right.