Thunder Above You
VRR, 2023
9/10
The English husband and wife duo Ida Mae have already impressed us with a pair of albums of their distinct blues rock, and this 3rd effort is equally welcoming, where Ethan Johns plays drums and the bassist Nick Pini is present for a listen recorded live to tape in just 7 days.
The quirky and playful “My Whispers Are Wildfire” begins the listen and places Stephanie Jean’s inimitable voice alongside adventurous drums and bluesy riffs from Chris Turpin, and “Into Your River” follows with a warm elegance that spotlights Turpin’s expressive pipes.
Elsewhere, “Doing It For Badness” is a more intimate moment that’s stylish and darker in scope, while “Wild Flying Dove” is charmingly abstract version of textured and thumping alt-rock meets bluesy ideas where the pair share vocal duties.
The very pretty, acoustic guitar focused “Landslide” arrives near the end and emits folk qualities amid the poetic singing from Jean, and “Hold You Like Fading Light” exits with light keys, brushed drums and strong attention to mood for a rare vulnerability.
A body of work that looks back to Turpin’s childhood time with folk music, there’s no lack of grooves and aesthetics present here, as Ida Mae continue their unclassifiable formula that keeps getting more exciting with each passing album.
Travels well with: The Cold Stares- Voices; Cedric Burnside- Benton County Relic