Gang Of Thieves offer a lot of fun funk-rock on their latest album Thunderfunk. You can’t help but to dance to their irresistible grooves while digging what the guitars are doing. This band offers two formidable guitars, an aggressive lead vocalist, and a rhythm section that easily straddles the adventurous drive of rock and the open spaces of rambunctious funk.
These boys from Burlington, Vermont jump right in with “Sexy Star Circus,” a funking, stomping number with nonstop guitar riffing. The rhythm section bumps it forward with thrusting groove as guest keyboardist Phil Bennett offers plenty of extra sound with his B3 Hammond organ. Vocalist Michael Reit belts it out in measured verses, suggesting it’s an anthem he’s promoting rather than just a song he’s singing. That sense of message and mission is what infuses this first track and the others to follow with the kind of urgent energy that carries the listener through a brisk, exciting musical world.
“Ambition” swaggers in with its twisty groove then Reit suddenly belts his assertive chorus over a wide swath of guitars. His lilting, down to earth approach in the verses contrast well with his hooky chorus aggression, giving the song a shifting groove that keeps listeners glued. Reit certainly makes one want to sing along while the band rocks it with enough funk exuberance to give the song a likable three dimensional life.
“Cocoa Mocha” finds the rhythm section of bassist Tobin Salas and drummer Deven Massarone building a mountainous groove. They keep putting in hillocks of sound for the guitars to play their magic over. Meanwhile, Reit sings the praise of, on one level, Spanish coffee, and, on another, a very sexy Spanish woman. His suggestive metaphors are clever, witty, and belted with Latin style while the guitars work a magic likely inspired by Carlos Santana.
Reit continues with his metaphorical writing skills in “King In Deed.” Written about someone who’s enough of a diva to be compared to a king, the witty lyrics get a blast off from Reit’s hefty vocal prowess. Underneath the rambunctious vocal line, the players offer generous dollops of funky bass lines, danceable grooves, and fiery guitar gusto. This song could knock down the castle doors and force a new king upon a thrown.
“Landmines” could best be described as brisk. A faux reggae groove and an aggressive take on island guitar riffs lure the listener in with their infectious sound. Soon, the band kicks it into a more up-tempo drive, the infectiousness making you feel it’s taking you on a journey. You cannot help but feel you’re moving with the band’s energy. Reit’s political overtones come to life on the strength of the band’s blazing guitars and adept rhythm section. This is an exciting piece of music as well as a visionary, poetic lyrical work.
The boys slow it down for “Soulchild,” building their bonfire energy out of a few early sparks that spiral sonically into a blazing, guitar fest. Bracing guitar work is the order of the day here. Aggressive rhythm playing carries the vocal until bursts of fiery lead conjure a roaring sound. Guitarists Nicholas Wood and Leonard Sokol keep the fires burning throughout while Reit attacks the words with guttural power. A listener cannot help but get caught up in all that’s going on here.
A low key song, “Rise” lets the band take their time unfolding their wide, layered sound. It’s a good ride, even at cruising speed. Easeful guitar lines and mellow, sprawling vocals carry one away in this wide, free, but spirited tune. Reit’s violin melody is icing on the cake, a nice, adept touch.
Title track “Thunderfunk” announces itself with exuberant horn shots and funky guitar riffs. Here, the boys do a heck of a job expanding their sound with trombonist Nate Reit and trumpeter Steve Jankowski blowing a loud, classy sound around the other instruments. Funky bass lines from Salas keep it a danceable affair and Reit does his usual fine job finding his place in the open spaces to emit his vocal force.
“Gunslinger” is a hard funking number with a dual guitar attack. You can hear both of those feisty six strings giving off grunge magic in cool unison. There are some nice changes in this funk fest, especially when it softens, briefly, into a ballad thing, then jumps into screaming guitar mode. This one has sections that carries one through like you’re on a surf board riding an exciting, unpredictable wave.
These funksters from Vermont close out with “Cobble Mountain Critter,” flexing their musical and vocal muscles in a memorable finale to their album. The rhythm section here keeps it so tasteful you want to steal their recipe. The guitars slink around coolly, offering a sassy melodic line that compels you to follow it closely as it zig zags its way around the groove.
The Gang Of Thieves have certainly come up with a fun party album that serious music fans can get into. Thunderfunk also benefits from a good grouping of guest players, which includes French horn player Peter Reit and Woof player Patience Funk. The adept musical interludes and vocal prowess make you wonder what these guys can do when they’re playing live, and there is nothing like an album that leaves you wanting more of a band.
