"We Make Thunder–yes, it's a declarative statement. After all, it ought to be. Because, you see, it's what they do. And We Make Thunder does not mince words.
"Well, what type of thunder do they make? What does thunder constructed by them entail?" Well, the best way to determine the answers to these questions is to take a listen, but if we must…
The base, the soil, is country-stained punk or it could be punk-tinged country, but let's eschew the arbitrary and call it rock 'n' roll. What sprouts from that dirt is convivial music meant to be swallowed along with a jigger of whiskey.
We Make Thunder began with the breakup of one band. Andrew Friesema had played bass, but, with a catalogue of original songs about heartbreak and happenstance, was fated to be a front-man singing and playing rhythm guitar. Jasmine Moss aka Doomriff, another member of the broken band, transitioned to drums. And thank Jebus she did because can she ever serve up a platter of punk-country shuffle.
Using the Internet and a cornucopia of charm, Friesema and Doomriff collected two more members; Tyler Brinegar and Jody Anthony, lead guitar and bass guitar, respectively. When you see the way the four of them interact on stage, they appear to be kin separated at birth.
Andrew's bellowing is fraught with frustration and longing, with intensity. He means what he says, sings and plays. Occasionally, he'll shudder as he delivers a line at the microphone and then bound backward, as if it hurt him to say what he said. Jasmine bangs and bounces with stoicism. However, she's a firecracker of a lass. But perhaps a more appropriate comparison for her is to an endless, lit string of M-80s as unceasing as her beats. Buzzing through the clatter are Tyler's razorblade solos and emphasis. And you'd better duck, these razorblades are thrown with expertise.
It all sounds dangerous, but Jody stands steady, maintaining the lower octaves, nodding, letting you know they're all right, and that therefore, so should you be.
They're an unassuming band of hellions. This is no more evident than in one of their favorite catch phrases. They're known to quip, "We're good for the no reason." There you have it. They're interested in everybody having a root 'n' toot.
Yes, they know that one day their rock will take over the world, but for now, they're satisfied winning over the folks watching them make their thunder this night. They're a tolerant, accepting bunch. Upon seeing them live, you'll become one of them, singing and shouting along, "We Make Thunder!"
-S.B.
what is going on..........i'm in thailand, i just got done listening to your newer songs, so nice. i'll se ya'll in chicago soon enough, not really soon enough but soon
Wish I could catch Thunder tomorrow - you guys know that Zeus has been covering some of your material and...well....let's just say the old bastard had better pay some royalties, butchering your songs and all....who the hell does he think he is...
