Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

For the fans, that has always been the ethos of Thunder, and their countless live recordings that have been released only for those to whom the sound of the epic has seen them attend gigs under the guise of what can only be described as the ultimate Christmas party; the countless wonderous days and fearless nights that have been captured and distributed are legendary; and yet there are moments that until now have remained almost a secret, not seeing the light of day by the vast majority.

In two recordings though, one at the Islington Academy as part of a Planet Rock Christmas Party, and the other at the Leeds First Direct Arena, that sense of behind closed doors magic has been revealed by the sorcerers themselves, and it is one of sublime effect and enchantment, one of clearing of the mist and the exposure of fine knights of the stage ready for conquest, or perhaps in the case of the Yorkshire performance, a reintroduction on the back of the excellent 2015 album Wonder Days, one that makes Live At Leeds simply divine and special.

For many, the inclusion of part of the short-lived High Voltage Festivals in London weekends in 201O and 2011 was testament to the band’s return after a hiatus that saw them announce their departure from the rock stage, but in the small tour that followed the release of Wonder Days that proof was further demonstrated and explored, and as the music flows from a tremendously electric night, the sense of purpose has arguably never been more acute.

With a hefty contribution from the at the time current album itself, Thunder rolled out the express red carpet to all in attendance and gave, as the listener soon understands, a fiercely adored revelation of intent to the gathered masses.

From the outset of the title album track, and through songs such as Black Water, Resurrection Day, The Devil Made Me Do It, When The Music Played, The Thing I Want, the sheer thrill of Backstreet Symphony, Love Walked In, Low Life In High Places, and Dirty Love, the three date tour in support of the album is keenly felt and if there was any tentative feeling of apprehension, then it is completely, and wonderfully unheard in the performance, a seismic and fantastic performance that metaphorically blows the roof off the venue.

A timely reminder in amongst the superb vinyl re-issues of the band’s discography that one of Britain’s premier rock bands from the 90s and beyond were, and remain, a joy to catch in their natural habitat of the wide expanse of the well-lit stage. Live At Leeds is a joy to behold.

Ian D. Hall