Blending garage rock and blues, The Thing return with ‘The Thing’. A constant roll-out of albums the band show no sign of stopping now. Stemming from New York and consisting of members Jack Bradley (guitar/ vocals), Zane Accord (bass/vocals, Michael Carter (guitar/vocals) and Lucas Ebeling (drums). Influenced by different things but merging them together to create a unique yet reminiscent sound of the past as stated by Bradley,” We’ve kind of adapted the ethos of: with restriction comes creativity – old becomes new. And, throughout every part of the process that remains.”
Bonham-esque drumming introduces ‘Above Snakes’ before the vocals soar through with swagger. The guitars are daggers cutting through with velocity showing the technical ability. Everything is tied together by the bass.
‘Dave’s Tv’ has the drums and guitar bouncing off each other like a round of tennis whilst, the vocals sound unbothered but capture the attention of the listener.
A new wave spin is offered on ‘Family Business’. Progressive guitars with an underlying bass which creeps up on you. The vocals set the scene similar to David Byrne whilst the drums crash along.
Distant guitars and disco drumming opens ‘Can You Help Me?’. Themes of displeasure are evident, yet optimism runs throughout. The backing vocals during the chorus create an echolike effect as well as the change in vocal style is a nice touch.
Slowly building up before conversation like vocals come in kicks off ‘Mr Useless’. The chorus changes the trajectory of the song putting power behind it then the chanting returns.
Dexys Midnight Runners might have something to say about ‘The Waltz’, but The Thing give them a run for their money. A softer and slower side is shown by the band with the guitars serenading and emotion weeping from the vocals as the rhythm section acts like a shoulder for them. The emotion turns into aggression as the drums crash and the vocals howl.
Lou Reed like vocals slither through ‘Alive (The Sword)’ whilst the guitars tell us a reverbed nursery rhyme. The rhythm section doesn’t have to do much but complements the song perfectly.
‘Holy Water’ starts similarly to Jeff Buckley’s ‘Hallelujah’ before the guitars quicken the tempo. The vocals are diluted compared to the other elements but offer the feeling of people watching. You can never go wrong with adding cowbell which portions off the song between lyrics and instrumental.
‘Something to Say’ could come straight from Kings of Leon’s ‘Youth and Young Manhood’. Pulsating drums and rash guitars cut through the song with the vocals telling the backing vocals a story. American dust treaded throughout.
From the get-go ‘Insane’ allows the listener to know why they are going insane. The elements are repetitive yet catchy which the vocals cry out over.
Named after a liqueur ‘Malört’ is a theatrical experience. Whirlwind guitars swarm the place, and the drums bring an impending doom. Hallucinogenic vocals that guide us through an unfamiliar territory.
‘Irresistible’ brings the album back in a circular narrative. Good old rock is effortlessly displayed; the riff runs through like DNA with the bass being the heartbeat.
With being a massive fan of the sophomore album, ‘Here’s the Thing’, the band show no signs of stopping with ‘The Thing’. Blending many genres and making it their own, every song is consistent and offers something new. Rock is often recycled but not changed, churning out the same old thing but that’s not The Thing’s way of doing things. Jazz inspired drumming transforms each song whilst bass and guitars hold the line. Paying respect to the past but pushing for the future. An anachronistic album.
The Thing: The Thing – Out 6 August 2025 (Onion Records)
