“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 “A gang of drone-tastic one-chord noisenik wonders, [the] album is a mind-melting meld of motorik drumbeats, menacing fuzz basslines and cosmic synthesiser swirls.” - The Big Issue 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.

Elements of punk, electronics and psych permeate throughout this slab of passion. Empowered by the brilliant Pyramid organisation who support artists with learning disabilities to discover, develop and disrupt the arts this does all three to stunning effect. Very much unique and highly listenable it gives us a real glimpse into the power and passion of voices too often sidelined and sadly hidden. This confronts all too common prejudices and smashes them out of the park with panache. Supported by Arts Council England this really does deserved to be heard, not just because of it's aims but because of it's musical RESULT! Fantastic!

By Matt