Don't be caught sleeping UK, continental Europe and the USA will not be slow to embrace this force of nature
THUNDERMOTHER, BETH BLADE AND THE BEAUTIFUL DISASTERS
London: Camden Underworld – 17 April 2022
Beth Blade has a powerful voice and knows it. As she challenged the crowd with 'London Do You Like Rock 'n' Roll?' she also had riffs and high kicks. Two young guys dressed like Skid Row circa 1987 backed her up with the passion of those who are determined not to miss out, even if they were born thirty years too late. A mix of old and new songs was on offer, including brand new single 'Sin Eater' released on Good Friday, (by coincidence apparently, a likely story). Harmonised guitars were delivered with old school back to back posturing. Their final track 'Jack And Coke' was dedicated to live music and Lemmy. A worthy support!
Filippa Nässil accomplished guitarist and founder member has put together an impressive line up with the latest incarnation of Thundermother. Guernica Mancini has a Rock 'n' Roll husky voice to blow you away. Drummer Emlee Johansson and new bass player Mona "Demona" Lindgren provide the engine for maximum drive. They sure as hell have the passion and energy to be the next 'Girlschool' and to give any band in their category male or female a run for their money. They have attracted a loyal following. There were quite a few people here who had travelled a long way including quite a few from the German fan club.
They kicked off with 'Whatever' from 2018's 'Thundermother'. However, it's the Heatwave tour ...and that album was re-released more recently as a deluxe version, so it's unsurprising that most tracks played tonight are from that album including: 'Dog From Hell'; 'Hellevator'; 'Into The Mud' and 'Back In 76'. An Acapella section showcased Mancini's great voice. She delivered with arms out and fringes swingin'. Filipa with her Explorer in guitar hero stance shredded and saluted the crowd, arm up in the air: Glam and Classic Rock influences on display.
By the time they got to new single 'Watch Out' they were into their stride and shared beer with the crowd. Mancini told them "I can't stop smiling". Something about her performance reminded me of the vocal supremo Cormac Neeson of The Answer. Certainly not a bad thing!
For 'Heatwave' Nässil donned a flat cap for an AC/DC like Boogie. Stomping and kicking they reminded the crowd that it was a Bank Holiday and so there was no reason not to party.
'The Road is Ours' known to be the band's favourite song had a big Blues solo, pared back, once again Mancini's strong voice shone through with harmonies contributed by bassist Demona.
'Shoot To Kill' was the cue for headbanging akimbo: Demona the bassist was on the balcony engaging those at the front: while Nässil was doing an Angus Young shuffle ending up with her leg up on the riser nodding with the crowd.
'Revival' was a cue for the big crowd singalong. 'We Fight For Rock 'n' Roll' incorporated a cover of The Beastie Boys 'Fight For Your Right To Party'. The band started to pogo and following a blistering solo from Nässil she disappeared into the crowd for several minutes (incorporating the riff from 'Crazy Train' at the back before circling around, returning backstage to rapturous applause).
Finishing with 'Give Me Some Lights' and 'Driving In Style' there's no doubt that when it comes to Rock bands Thundermother are The Full Monty.
I was a bit crushed that they did not play my favourite song 'You Can't Handle Me', but it was a extremely promising gig from an extremely promising band. They deserve more attention in the UK. Don't be caught sleeping UK, continental Europe and the USA will not be slow to embrace this force of nature.
Dawn Osborne
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