Album Review: Thunderhead

Thunderhead is the indie-folk new album release from Otautahi singer-songwriter Fraser Ross, and it is wonderfully expansive, and beautifully attentive. The storytelling is intricate, and the sound is cohesive, transporting you to rolling hills and small corner street dairies in places that feel like the middle of nowhere.

As a Catherine myself, how could I not comment on the second track, Catherine? The wistful melody is accompanied by lyrical guitar riffs and washed out vocals, making for a particularly yearning song.

The next track, Cards, really jumped out at me as a very classic Kiwiana song. The filtered, closely mixed vocals, reminds me of music that you would hear on local radio 15 or so years ago, and I really enjoyed the sense of nostalgia. It fits right at home with the rest of the classic folk tracklist.

My personal favourite is Janice, In the Dairy. It feels delicate and gentle. The layers of the guitar drive the song forward, with sweet simple melodies accompanying the vocals. A few years ago, Fraser Ross spent a few years in Scotland as he continued his musical career, releasing two albums during his time there. I’m currently having my own kiwi living abroad experience at the moment, and it makes me feel a little less homesick to hear someone singing about a humble New Zealand dairy.

Even with the wonderful production on each song of this album, you can really feel the fact that these were written with just a guitar, putting the lyrics first, and working the production and arrangement around it. Pay close attention to the details of this album, and you’ll be transported to journeys through rolling hills, green landscapes, and thunder overhead.