Greg Eshman (drums); Ben Lough (guitar, vocals); Wayne Stokes (bass); Raff Iacurto (guitar)
Since their formation in Wollongong, Australia in the mid-nineties, Thumlock have harnessed the power of high octane, sci-fi-tinged, THC-fuelled rock. Travelling the well-worn path of east-coast freeways and beer-soaked bars, the quartet has successfully carved out their slice of the classic Australian rock pie.
An independent release in 1997 allowed the band to find their feet in this treacherous landscape and caught the attention of High Beam Music, who released Lunar Mountain Sunrise in 1999.
This lengthy EP showcased a young, uncompromising band allowing their creativity to direct the songs, with awe-inspiring results.
In 2000 Emerald Liquid Odyssey was released to an ever-expanding fanbase. Beard of Stars picked up the album for a European release and, locally, it hit #4 on the Australian Independent Record charts and received Album of the Week in the influential Drum Media. Capitalising upon their continued success Thumlock released two singles from the album, recorded a track for the Blue Cheer tribute, and supported the likes of Hawkwind and Rollins Band.
Sojourns Lucid Magic is the next chapter Thumlock’s epic tale.
From the opening single of Modulator it is all too obvious that their coastal hometown will not be able to contain the passion and the tenacity of Thumlock for much longer.
Again drawing heavily from personal idols Hawkwind and the usual Black Sabbath riffs, Sojourns Lucid Magic brings out the classic subversive Australian rock sound that the band have for so long been teasing us with. Heroes from yesteryear Radio Birdman, The Saints, and the Hard-Ons all share the honour of influencing the next influential band from Australian shores.
Thumlock’s appeal has stretched beyond their genius song-craftsmanship, with their penchant for off-the-wall, science fiction based lyrics. Both Michael Moorecock and Frank Herbert inspire Lough’s words of distant fantasy worlds, time travel and mythological creatures.
Together with planned Australian and European tours, Sojourns Lucid Magic will undoubtedly take the band to soaring new heights. Rising like the Moondragon.
