Based on the press release I was kindly given along with a copy of this CD it lists this as the thirteenth album by Eliza Neals, The experience really shows in the quality of her vocals and songwriting. I’m going to admit up front that I didn’t know she had been around that long, I’m new to her fanbase and bought her album Colorcrimes last year when I came across it on Bandcamp and if you haven’t heard that album I highly recommend it.
Eliza’s sound on what I’ve listened to immediately brings to mind Susan Tedeshi, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bonnie Raitt, Samantha Fish, and at least on this record a dash of Fleetwood Mac.
I can’t help but wonder if opening track “Speedy Beady” was inspired by “Little Red Rooster” by Howlin’ Wolf, There’s definitely similarities but this song is a much more energetic affair, Alternating between more restrained verse sections before giving the song more electric blues lift around the chorus. The strut, Groove, and Swagger of this song is absolutely infectious.
“Love Will” is like a hybrid of Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Susan Tedeshi, Absolutely peacocking electric blues grooving riffs sway behind Eliza’s cool raspy and soulful vocals.
“Blues Bombshell” adds some honkey tonk piano and fuses blues and soul to mesmerizing effect, This song feels like a 90’s blues classic. The piano with the slide guitar on this song is absolutely excellent.
“All Alone” switches things up and goes into straight up Fleetwood Mac territory, You could almost hear Stevie Nicks singing this. This is the sort of song that would feel absolutely magical at night. If this doesn’t end up a single it will be a tragedy.
“Locked Up” is a primarily piano driven soulful ballad that really suits Eliza’s voice, Between the cascading keys are flourishes of guitar and an excellent guitar solo. Absolute perfection of a song that will have you entranced the whole way through.
“Wicked Heart” is another one I’d describe as early Kenny Wayne Shepherd meets Susan Tedeshi, It’s more of an upbeat sounding song that is just fun to listen to.
“Unoriginal Bitch” feels like a dig at another performer and I’m not sure who, All I know is this strutting critique of a song stands out. It’s a song that doesn’t mess around, It’s blues with attitude. Like George Thorogood and Ann Wilson in one. Yes, It’s that good.
“One Monkey (Don’t Stop No Show)” keeps the momentum going with another blues rocker, While not the barn burner the last track is it’s still a good listen all the same.
From a journalistic perspective I don’t think album closers are given as much importance as they should get, For me it’s the equivalent of how do you want to end a concert? Do you want to end it without anything notable? Or do you want to end it on such a high note that the audience will be dying to do the whole thing over again! The same goes for albums in my opinion, The last song when done right will make you want to start the record over and that’s what you’re getting here folks.
“Thunder In The House” is the title track for a reason, This is far and away the best song on the album. It’s soulful, Epic electric blues at its finest. Every note by every band member rings out and makes a statement, It’s minimalist to a degree and yet so grand. This is a song for a big stage, Easily one of the best blues songs I’ve heard in recent years.
Sometimes the records that blow you away are the ones you don’t see coming, This is blues rock played by incredible musicians and one of the best records you’re likely to hear this year.
9/10