“None of the band is particularly into the Fall: their music just comes out like that, with an added sweep of Hawkwind-esque bombast.”
The Guardian
Leeds band Ultimate Thunder have announced the release of their self-titled album on 29 July. The album is the result of their collaboration with producer/musician James Mabbett (Napoleon IIIrd), and longtime supporters Pyramid. The band has shared their debut single ‘Bring The Science’
Described by Mabbett as ‘The Fall meets Hawkwind’, the Leeds band have created a thrilling collection of crashing, groovy and snarling noise rock. Fronted by vocalist Matthew Watson, his enthralling stream-of-conscious and often surreal lyrics cut through the whole record, uniting the surging drums, pulsating bass and whirlwind of bleeps, synths and sounds that swirl around this captivating record.
First coming together in 2013 with the help of Leeds charity ‘People In Action’, original members Dan Milligan (vocals), Thomas Neil (drums), John Greaves (bass), Alex Sykes (keyboard) and James Heselwood (mentor, guide and guitarist) began writing, performing and gigging in Leeds, Wakefield and Bradford.
After several line up changes, and Heselwood staying on to guide and mentor the band, they began to work with Pyramid, a Leeds art charity, who offer the support they need for the band to thrive. They made their live debut at Wharf Chambers, then collaborated with Lumen on a sound/art installation at The Tetley in 2019. The current line up is Matthew Watson (vocals), Scott Anderson (drums), Stuart Illingworth (synth), John Greaves (bass), Alex Sykes (keyboard), John Densley (percussion) and Kenneth Stainburn (guitar/synth).
A change of focus for the band was brought about by having had to move online during the pandemic, which is when the help of artist and producer Napoleon IIIrd was enlisted. Writing and recording the album over Zoom was followed by completing the final bits in person.
Ultimate Thunder will be performing an album launch at Duke Studios/Sheaf Street in Leeds City Centre on Thursday 21st July.
James Mabbett, Napoleon IIIrd: “Making this record with Ultimate Thunder was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding projects I’ve been involved with! I feel very lucky to have spent these unforgettable pandemic years experimenting, creating and reimagining how you make a record with these fantastic musicians. Years and years of work have gone into this record and we’re all so excited for people to finally hear it.“
James Hill, Director, Pyramid: “It’s been a total joy for Pyramid to play a part in supporting this amazing band over the last few years as they’ve pushed themselves and grown into the awesome noise machine they are now. What’s going to be even more of a joy is unleashing this incredible album on the rest of the world this summer.”
For more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/Ultimate-Thunder-Leedshttps://pyramid.org.uk
Listen to Bring The Science here.
‘Ultimate Thunder’ will be released digitally and via 12” vinyl produced at Press On Vinyl in Middlesbrough.
This project is supported using public funding by Arts Council England
Photography by Andrew Benge.
