Thulium 69
by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer
69 is the debut EP by London-based rockers Thulium. The band, which features members from France, England, Hungary and Canada, sounds like a more polished and melodic version of the mainstream radio rock bands we hear in the US (Nickelback, Creed and the like). Normally citing Nickelback as an influence would have a negative connotation, but Thulium manages to make it work. They sound like Nickelback minus the frat boy mentality. No wait, that’s Creed. How about a European Foo Fighters? That may be closer.
Of course, with just a 3-song EP it’s hard to get a good feel for the band’s talents and sound, but the three songs on 69 are a good preview of what Thulium has to offer. The EP kicks off with “Craving,” a mid-tempo rocker reminiscent of the ‘90s alternative sound. After that comes “Running,” which speeds things up a bit and rocks out a bit more. It’s a catchy song, and one that gets you nodding along. It would make a pretty effective single. The slower, more melancholy “90 Days of Sorrow” closes the EP. It’s a decent song with some pretty keyboard work, but it’s a bit of a buzzkill after the rocking “Running.”
As mainstream rock bands go, Thulium is pretty impressive. They’re a band that would fit in perfectly on mainstream rock radio (and class up the place in the process), but will probably never get the chance to do so. If you’re looking for some good, new modern rock, give 69 a spin.
Genre: Rock
Band:
Boubou (v) (g)
Chris (b) (v)
Vik (g)
Rob (d)
Track Listing:
1. Craving
2. Running
3. 90 Days of Sorrow
Label: none
Website: www.myspace.com/thulium69
Hardrock Haven rating: 6.5/10