Whiskey Myers are back with their seventh album Whomp Whack Thunder, and it’s a record that feels extremely confident. From the moment the first riffs on Time Bomb hit, you can tell you’re in for a treat. Cody Cannon’s songwriting takes centre stage once again, wrapping top tier storytelling around a sound that isn’t afraid to push at boundaries or blur genres. There are some moments that can feel repetitive at times but that is bound to happen when you’ve been doing it as long as these guys. With Jay Joyce at the production helm, the record feels polished and full of layers.
The singles released in the lead up gave us a taste of what to expect, but they definitely shine brighter when you can listen to them in the context of the whole record. Tracks like “Tailspin” have been getting great recognition and it’s easy to understand why. Over in the States, the opener “Time Bomb” has been steadily climbing radio charts. Both of these tracks prove Whiskey Myers aren’t afraid to write songs that can stand tall on rock playlists while still carrying the band’s DNA.
What really works across Whomp Whack Thunder is the variety. One moment you’re in the middle of a heavy, fuzzed-out groove, the next you’re swept into a more almost cinematic ballad. It keeps you on edge, never quite knowing what’s around the corner. There’s a looseness to the record that makes it feel alive, but under that is a clear sense of craft and intent.
Songs like Rowdy Days and Rock N Roll bring that swaggering, slow burner energy while tracks like Icarus lean into more expansive, soaring sounds that definitely helps them to stand out. Midnight Woman shows off that chaotic, bar in the middle of the country type energy, while closer Monsters is one of the most striking moments without a doubt. It’s a slow-burn track that feels cinematic, almost like it was written to soundtrack the credits of a movie. It’s a real beauty.
Cannon’s vocals are of course a highlight. That was expected. He’s equally convincing when spitting fire as he is when pulling things back for something softer. That balance is what keeps the album from leaning too far one way, it’s not just big riffs and stomping drums, there’s depth in here too.
All in all, Whomp Whack Thunder feels like Whiskey Myers doubling down on what makes them great while still nudging forward. It’s unfiltered and made for both the radio and the road, with tracks that will no doubt explode live. Whether you’ve followed them for years or you’re just stumbling into their world like I have, this record definitely packs enough punch to pull you in.
Tracklist – Whomp Whack Thunder
1. Time Bomb
2. Tailspin
3. I got to move
4. Rowdy Days
5. Icarus
6. Midnight Woman
7. Break These Chains
8. Born To Do
9. Rock N Roll
10. Ramblin’ Jones
11. Monsters
‘Whomp Whack Thunder‘ gets a whacking 8 out of 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography