Current 93
Thunder Perfect Mind

5.0
classic

Review

by Meatplow USER (111 Reviews)
May 17th, 2009 | 73 replies

Release Date: 1992 | Tracklist

Thunder Perfect Mind is a 1992 album from British group Current 93, an act that has been working in folk based experimental art forms since the early 1980's. Led by David Tibet who is the only constant member, the group has had a revolving door lineup throughout the years and has collaborated with artists as diverse as Nick Cave, Andrew W.K. and Boyd Rice. Rooted firmly in the realms of neo-folk, Thunder Perfect Mind is often seen as a staple of the genre.

The most striking thing about this album is the crisp acoustic guitars, each track features haunting rhythm sections laced with reverb which sound absolutely gorgeous. The arrangements present do much to accentuate the beauty of the instrument, strings and female backing vocals working together to create a gloriously melancholic harmony with one another. Floating on top of this Tibet's vocals can be approached in two senses, one is that the man is blessed with quite a voice and can sing up a storm. The other is that his voice is melodramatic to the point of utter corniness, much akin to those types of vocalists who appear in power metal who are ridiculously camp but we can't help but love all the all the same.

Indeed, this is not a breaking point if you want to take the album seriously as there is enough lush arrangements to satisfy the most ardent seeker of beauty. Tibet's voice is charming, even if you want to take the silly route with it there is a lot to like. Thunder Perfect Mind is claimed to be Tibet's most personal record, whilst a lot of his lyrics seem to based on famous poems and fantasy imagery he recalls his thoughts of people he has met over his lifetime with a nice touch of wit to the lyrics. The album does not deviate from it's formula for almost the entire bulk of it, save a couple of unexpected moments and the waa guitar infected 16 minute long Hitler as Kaiki which is certainly one of the most impressive pieces on display.

Thunder Perfect Mind is an impressive slice of neo-folk, certainly a good place for those unfamiliar with the genre to begin. It is lengthy, and whilst it sticks to what it does best for the most part and doesn't try to vary it up too much with a little bit of patience it is also rewarding.

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