After meeting at a gig in Omaha, Nebraska, local indie folk pop band Thunder Power recorded some new songs that were recently released on a split EP, Friend Ships, with London recording artist Alessi Ark.

For the purposes of this review, the focus is on the magical music of Thunder Power. After a decade of making music together, the band has only recently revealed to indie music lovers their perfected, unified sound that draws on their appreciation of different music styles, including folk, pop and rock, and their various talents as musicians.

While there are only three of them, the Thunder Power songs contained on the split Friend Ships EP are tantalizing and wistful, masterfully spanning a spectrum of moods from melancholy to jubilation within a relatively limited bandwidth. The array of sonic experiences that colors Thunder Power's music is potentially as enjoyable for listeners as it appears to be for the band - that's always a good sign.

The tender and unforgettable voice of Thunder Power's lead vocalist Kacynna Tompsett is a perfect match for the band's well-honed sound; a case of one complimenting the other. Tompsett's voice at times is strikingly similar to Chan Markshall (Cat Power) and yet retains its own identity and charm.

The first Thunder Power song, "Postscripts," is a dreamy, love sick ballad fused with lush harmonies and a free-flowing accordion. The following track, "Sleep, Not Violence," is a folksy lament that morphs into a rock song backed by ambient organs, slide guitar and a snare drum. "Blood Water," the final track on the EP, is an epic tale of struggle and loss in the haze of the 'American Dream.' It will be interesting to hear what the band does for their first full length, even though there is no official word that a debut LP is in the works.

Thunder Power caught the attention of Slumber Party Records back in 2007 and signed on to record and release their highly-acclaimed debut EP Love Yourself which was produced by Ian Aeillo (Bright Eyes, Conor Oberst, Cursive).

The success of the EP paved the way for the release of Friend Ships, which Aeillo and Saddle Creek Records also contributed to. Among the band's musical influences include Nick Drake, Belle and Sebastian, Camera Obscura, Elliott Smith, Johnny Cash, Loney Dear and The Smiths.

"Sleep, Not Violence" – Thunder Power from Friend Ships (2009)

"Postscript" - Thunder Power from Friend Ships (2009)

Thunder Power on MySpace

Labels: New Releases, Thunder Power