Ultimate Thunder - Ultimate Thunder

Ultimate Thunder - Ultimate Thunder

“None of the band is particularly into the Fall: their music just comes out like that, with an added sweep of

Hawkwind-esque bombast.” - The Guardian

Leeds band Ultimate Thunder have announced they will release their debut, self-titled album on 29th July. A collaboration recorded over Zoom with producer / musician James Mabbett (Napoleon IIIrd), the band will release their debut in conjunction with their longtime supporters at Pyramid.

Described by Mabbett as ‘The Fall meets Hawkwind’, the Leeds band have created a thrilling collection of crashing, groovy and snarling noise rock. Fronted by vocalist Matthew Watson, his enthralling stream-of-conscious and often surreal lyrics cut through the whole record, uniting the surging drums, pulsating bass and whirlwind of bleeps, synths and sounds that swirl around this captivating record.

First coming together in 2013 with the help of Leeds charity ‘People In Action’, original members Dan Milligan (vocals), Thomas Neil (drums), John Greaves (bass), Alex Sykes (keyboard) and James Heselwood (mentor, guide and guitarist) began writing, performing and gigging in Leeds, Wakefield and Bradford.

Following numerous line up changes, the band began to work officially with Leeds arts charity Pyramid in 2017 with Heselwood staying on to guide and mentor the band, and Pyramid offering band members the support they need for the band to thrive. As the current line up of Matthew Watson (vocals), Scott Anderson (drums), Stuart Illingworth
(synth), John Greaves (bass), Alex Sykes (keyboard) , John Densley (percussion) and Kenneth Stainburn (guitar/synth) settled in, the band made their live debut at DIY space Wharf Chambers before collaborating with Lumen on a sound / art installation at The Tetley in 2019.

Having spent much of the last decade focussing on their live performances, the band had to reassess their plans once their weekly sessions were moved online in the pandemic. Enlisting the help of acclaimed Leeds artist and producer Napoleon IIIrd, the collective set about writing and recording their debut album over Zoom under Mabbett
and Heselwood’s guidance. Now as they gear up to release their long-awaited debut, the band are working on their live show with preparations for a hometown launch show with details to be confirmed. 

‘Ultimate Thunder’ will be released digitally and via 12” vinyl produced at Press On Vinyl in Middlesbrough.

Ultimate Thunder will be performing an album launch at Sheaf Street in Leeds city centre on Thursday 21st July. This project is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

James Mabbett, Napoleon IIIrd said: Making this record with Ultimate Thunder was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding projects I’ve been involved with! I feel very lucky to have had spent these unforgettable pandemic years experimenting, creating and
reimagining how you make a record with these fantastic musicians. Years and years of work have gone into this record and we’re all so excited for people to finally hear it.

James Hill, Director, Pyramid said:

“It's been a total joy for Pyramid to play a part in supporting this amazing band over the last few years as they’ve pushed themselves and grown into the awesome noise machine they are now. What’s going to be even more of a joy is unleashing this incredible album on the rest of the world this summer.”