Thunderbird Divine - Live, Loud And Lucky (EP Review)

Release Date: September 26th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Live, Loud and Lucky - Tracklisting

1.Times Gone Bad 05:06
2.These Eyes 04:26
3.Bummer Bridge 05:21

Members

Guitar/Theremin/Vocals: Erik Caplan

Bass: Joshua Adam Solomon

Drums: Michael Stuart

Review

Doom/Stoner Rockers Thunderbird Divine latest Live EP - Live, Loud and Lucky - is a tribute to their keyboardist and friend Jack Falkenbach who sadly passed away. The following below outlines what Thunderbird Divine wanted to capture for this live release.

“THUNDERBIRD DIVINE returns with Live, Loud and Lucky, a collection of three live tracks recorded at Lucky 13 in Brooklyn on June 20, 2025. The recording captures the band during their first extended run of shows after the passing of keyboardist and friend Jack Falkenbach. It marks a transitional period for the band, performing as a trio and confronting both emotional and technical challenges on stage.”

 

Live, Loud and Lucky isn't the most perfect release but it captures the band on electrifying form playing three great tracks that merges Doom, Sludge, Grunge, Blues and Stoner Rock surroundings. There is a certain sense of sorrow appearing within Times Gone Bad and These Eyes which both appear from the band’s acclaimed 2024 album Little Wars. 

The stripped back recording techniques allows Thunderbird Divine to put in a powerful and very direct Sludge/Stoner Metal performance which has a seedy 1970’s Proto-Metal atmosphere emerging before fully expanding into 1990’s Stoner Rock/Metal riff explosions whilst keeping within a classic Blues Rock attitude.

The band continue to explore a hard-rocking mix of Psychedelic excursions into full-on Classic Hard Rock melodies which fully dominate within the later stages of These Eyes and right through to the standout final track of Bummer Bridge (which is from their 2019 album - Magnasonic).

Live, Loud and Lucky is a superb way for Thunderbird Divine to honour their friend’s legacy and I’m hoping the band will be releasing more short, direct and action packed EP’s such as this. As it gets straight down to the business of playing EPIC, HUGE and CLASSIC sounding grooves right from the very start.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to C Squared Music for the promo.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

THUNDERBIRD DIVINE Reveal Official Visualizer For "Times Gone Bad" From Upcoming New Album LITTLE WARS

Drawing predominantly from the worlds of stoner rock and psychedelic, THUNDERBIRD DIVINE provide a heavy fuzz-filled sound in "Times Gone Bad". The track is taken from their forthcoming album, Little Wars, set for release on August 30th, 2024 via Black Doomba Records and is now accompanied by an official visualizer available below:

"Times Gone Bad" showcases THUNDERBIRD DIVINE's signature sound, blending dense, overdriven riffs with mesmerizing, trippy undertones. The single is a testament to the band's ability to evolve while staying true to the raw, heavy roots that have garnered them a loyal following.

THUNDERBIRD DIVINE's Little Wars promises to be an epic journey through sonic landscapes, characterized by its rich textures and powerful compositions. The album is expected to resonate with fans of stoner rock and psychedelic music, offering an immersive listening experience.

“The process of creating music has to be organic, and it has to come from a sincere place devoid of fear,” says Erik Caplan, the band’s guitarist/vocalist. “At least, that’s what works best for this band. So I find it essential to trust my co-creators and have them trust me. We have to be willing to wander into curious musical rabbit holes together just to see what we might find. I think we did a lot of that kind of stuff with this album, but the foundation of the entire effort is songwriting. That has to be solid. If you don’t have good songs at the core of your album, adding funky textures is an exercise in pointlessness. And I think we’ve covered that base as well. These feel like good songs to us.”

“Our recording process was very involved,” Caplan says. “We demoed every song in our rehearsal space, sketching out all of our ideas from the ground up. We took those basic demo tracks and embroidered them back at Josh’s (bassist Josh Solomon) studio. We threw a lot of sounds at those demos, and we started getting a strong idea of what worked best to our ears.

“Nothing was off limits. For example, if I said, ‘I think I can hear a sitar in there,’ the response was almost always ‘OK, let’s hear the part you have in mind.’ It’s inspiring to work that way.”

About THUNDERBIRD DIVINE:

THUNDERBIRD DIVINE comprises four Philadelphia musicians who came together in March of 2017 to collaborate and create riff-heavy psychedelic/stoner/doom in the spirit of artists like MONSTER MAGNET, HAWKWIND, FLOWER TRAVELLIN' BAND, THE MC5, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD and many others. Named after the street moniker of a homeless Vietnam veteran from vocalist/guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Erik Caplan’s childhood neighborhood, the band formed after the dissolution of two long-term Philly stalwart acts, WIZARD EYE (Caplan) and SKELETON HANDS (drummer Mike Stuart). Keys man Jack Falkenbach appeared out of the ether to join up in 2019, and highly experienced engineer and bassist Joshua Solomon came along just as THUNDERBIRD DIVINE parted ways with its original bassist, Adam Scott (also of SKELETON HANDS) in 2022.

Magnasonic, THUNDERBIRD DIVINE’s first release, appeared on Salt of the Earth Records (CD) and Interstellar Smoke Records (vinyl) in 2019, and its follow-up, The Hand of Man, was also released on CD by Salt of the Earth Records in 2020. The band also released a single recording of THE YARDBIRDS' "Happenings 10 Year’s Time Ago" in the same year. Since 2022, The outfit have released recordings of "Crazy Horses" by THE OSMONDS and "I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More, Babe", by BARRY WHITE, both given the band’s signature quirky imprint.

THUNDERBIRD DIVINE is:

Erik Caplan: Vocals, Guitar, Theremin, Sitar, Banjo, Harmonica, Synth, Drones, Weird Stuff
Michael Stuart: Vocals, Drums, Percussion
Joshua Adam Solomon: Vocals, Bass, Guitars, Synth, Percussion
Jack Falkenbach: Vocals, Keys, Violin, Melodica

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thunderbirddivine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thunderbird_divine/
Bandcamp: https://thunderbirddivine.bandcamp.com/

Track Listing:

1. Pony Express
2. Times Gone Bad
3. Last Laugh
4. Black Rhino Mantra
5. These Eyes
6. Tides
7. Highway Dawn
8. Old Black Crow
9. Carousel

Little Wars will be available to buy from Black Doomba Records on Friday August 30th 2024.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Thanks to C Squared Music for all of the info.

Thunderbird Divine - Little Wars (Album Review)

Release Date: August 30th 2024. Record Label: Black Doomba Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Little Wars: Tracklisting

1. Pony Express

2. Times Gone Bad

3. Last Laugh  

4. Black Rhino Mantra

5. These Eyes

6. Tides

7. Highway Dawn

8. Old Black Crow

9. Carousel 

Members

Erik Caplan: Vocals, Guitar, Theremin, Sitar, Banjo, Harmonica, Synth, Drones, Weird Stuff

Micheal Stuart: Vocals, Drums, Percussion

Joshua Adam Solomon: Vocals, Bass, Guitars, Synth, Percussion 

Jack Falkenbach: Vocals, Keys, Violin, Melodica

Review

Thunderbird Divine were formed in 2017 after the dissolution of two other bands from the Philly scene, Wizard Eye and Skeleton Hands. The origin of the band name has a pretty cool story, as it was the nickname of a Vietnam veteran in Erik Caplan’s (vocals, guitar) hometown growing up and its also the name of one of the tracks off of his previous band Wizard Eye’s self-titled album back in 2015. Erik along with ex-Skeleton Hands Mike Stuart (drums), Jack Falkenbach (keys), and Joshua Solomon (bass) are all veterans of the scene and completed their current lineup in 2022. Having released their debut ‘Magnasonic’ in 2019 and the follow-up ‘The Hand of Man’ in 2020, the album ‘Little Wars’ is the band's third sonic outing. 

‘Little Wars’ is a wonderful listening experience full of tasty riffs, lyrical idioms, and talented musicianship throughout, directing you through a wide path of sounds and styles. Songs like ‘Times Gone Bad’ with its rich organ tones and thick sounding bass delve into hard rock territory while the lead guitar has a grungy feel to it making for a mixture of sounds and genres. The lyrics are something we can all relate to, having all been through our share of bad times. ‘Last Laugh’ the first single off the album has a stoner rock feel to it with great guitar and clever lyrics, as the saying goes when you point a finger to blame someone else you have more pointed back at yourself. The female vocals are an amazing accent and produce somewhat of a southern rock vibe when combined with the keyboard. You’ve got to check out the video, it’s comical with the guys singing the ladies part and it looks like they are having a blast shooting it! 

‘These Eyes’ has some of my favorite guitar parts, the repeating riff is alluring and absolutely draws you in. The tail-end of the song has some amazing lead guitar and the choir of female vocals joining in and going a cappella at the end, makes for one of the most memorable sections of the album. ‘Old Black Crow’ is a departure from the heavy rockers or stoner influences, it’s like a psychedelic Americana song with Erik playing banjo accompanied by a jazzy piano lick, and whether it is or not I can imagine an upright bass being played as the vocals tell the agonizing torture of being haunted by that fucking crow. 

There are plenty of other great moments on ‘Little Wars’ like the opening track ‘Pony Express’ with its soulful harmonica and Native American feel to it, the drums on ‘Black Rhino Mantra’ as well as the drumming patterns and tom fills on ‘Highway Dawn’, killer percussion work throughout. The two instrumental tracks ‘Tides’ with its progressive rock organ and tribal drums and the closer ‘Carousel’ which yes, sounds like a carousel with some glass slide guitar behind it. All are outstanding, a variety of auditory masterpieces awaits the listener and Thunderbird Divine have quite a divine album on their hands with ‘Little Wars’.

Words by Jon McGough

Thanks to C Squared Music for the promo.

Little Wars will be available to buy from Black Doomba Records on Friday August 30th 2024.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

THUNDERBIRD DIVINE Rocks the Scene: Signs with Black Doomba Records for Explosive Fall 2024 Album Release

In an electrifying new partnership, the esteemed Philadelphia-based band THUNDERBIRD DIVINE has inked a deal with Black Doomba Records, signaling a bold new chapter in their already illustrious journey. This collaboration promises to unleash an album in the fall of 2024 that will further cement THUNDERBIRD DIVINE's place in the pantheon of riff-heavy psychedelic/stoner/doom music.

Since their formation in March 2017, THUNDERBIRD DIVINE has captivated audiences with their unique blend of sonic textures and musical experimentation, drawing inspiration from the likes of Monster Magnet, Hawkwind, and The MC5. Their journey has seen them release critically acclaimed albums such as Magnasonic and The Hand of Man, alongside memorable singles and covers that showcase their versatility and creative prowess.

The upcoming album, set for release in the fall of 2024, is eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike. It promises to be a testament to the band's relentless pursuit of musical innovation, featuring compositions that are both emotionally compelling and sonically adventurous. This new project will not only highlight THUNDERBIRD DIVINE's mastery of traditional rock songwriting but will also delve into complex textures and sounds, further pushing the boundaries of their genre.

THUNDERBIRD DIVINE comprises Erik Caplan, Michael Stuart, Joshua Adam Solomon, and Jack Falkenbach – a lineup of multi-instrumentalists known for their musical virtuosity and experimental approach. The band's dedication to in-house recording and embracing technological advancements in search of the perfect sound has set them apart in the music world.

The partnership with Black Doomba Records, a label renowned for its dedication to the heavy music scene, marks a significant milestone for THUNDERBIRD DIVINE. This alliance is set to amplify the band's reach and introduce their groundbreaking music to a wider audience.

Stay tuned for more updates on THUNDERBIRD DIVINE's forthcoming album and their journey with Black Doomba Records. In the meantime, fans can connect with the band through their official social media pages and Bandcamp profile.

Watch the signing announcement below:

For more information on THUNDERBIRD DIVINE and their music, please visit:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thunderbirddivine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thunderbird_divine/
Bandcamp: https://thunderbirddivine.bandcamp.com/

About Black Doomba Records:

Black Doomba Records is a record label dedicated to the promotion and support of the best in heavy, doom, and stoner rock music. With a commitment to quality and a passion for the genre, Black Doomba Records continues to be a leading force in the music industry.

Thanks to C Squared Music for all of the info.

Thunderbird Divine - Magnasonic (Album Review)

Release date: Jan 11^th 2019. Label: Salt Of The Earth Records. Format: CD/DD

Magnasonic – Tracklisting

1.Qualified

2.'Til Shiloh

3.Bummer Bridge

4.The Devil's Hatband

Members

Erik Caplan: Lead vocals; 6-string, 12-string, and tenor resonator electric guitars; bass guitar; acoustic guitars; bouzouki; marxolin; mandolin; theremin; noise box

Flynn Lawrence: Six-string, baritone and tenor resonator electric guitars; electric sitar; acoustic guitars

Adam Scott: Electric bass guitars; acoustic guitar

Mike Stuart: Drums; percussion; backing vocals

Review

Thunderbird Divine is the new band that features ex-Wizard Eye member Erik Caplan in their ranks. The band is named after the song that appeared on Wizard Eye’s last album. This is a different beast to Wizard Eye. As Thunderbird Divine play a heavier style of Psychedelic Spaced Out Doom/Stoner Rock. Though the band aren’t afraid to lay down some thundering Sludge Metal grooves.

Thunderbird Divine debut album Magnasonic is perfectly named. As the band explore the many different sounds of levels of Psychedelic Stoner/Sludge Rock. The band add a real progressive groove to their music as they fully take flight on the album. The album contains a vintage sounding Fuzz Rock vibe with elements of classic Doom Rock/Metal.

The production has quite a raw and vintage feel to it with opening song – Qualified – almost seeing the band having an identity crisis with the different musical genres held on this song and that is a good thing. As the band play a different style of Psychedelic Stoner Rock. Lead vocalist Erik has a classic Hard Rock approach to his vocals and the results are excellent. The final stages of the song sees the band play a more Jam based sound where a high amount of epic spaced out riffs appear.

Second song – ‘Til Shilo – has a gloomier feel to it compared to the opening song and intense vocals as well. The song is still very psychedelic but more influenced by bands such as Black Sabbath. Thunderbird Divine still impress with the high voltage riffs and bombastic dual vocals the band have included here. This is one of the standout songs on the album.

Third song – Bummer Bridge – is a Psychedelic Doom/Stoner Rock number and one that has a more direct sound compared to the other songs on the album. The gloomy Blues Rock atmosphere is quite soulful and the band sure have fun on this song.

Fourth song – The Devil’s Hatband – is perhaps the centrepiece of the entire album with the band playing an epic eleven minute song that throws everything at you and leaves you within the realm of Psychedelic Spaced Out Rock. The song opens rather quietly before expanding into a heavier sound. The heavier riffs take time to appear but this is where Thunderbird Divine prove why they’re such a great band in their own right. The mixture of classic rock sounds against the modern heavier progressive grooves keeps you entertained from the start.

Overall, Magnasonic is a thrilling and brilliantly loud album that entertains from start to finish. This is a great album to open the new year of heavy music with.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Leanne at Mettle Media PR for the promo. Magnasonic will be available to buy on CD/DD via Salt Of The Earth Records from Jan 11^th 2019.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp