Thunder in the Valley

One of the best bands out of Minneapolis in recent year

High Plains Reader

Fargo, ND

June 29, 2006

By: Mitch Marr

Everyone's been there. Two beers into a rock show, waiting for the headliner to start when you notice: no one showed up. The latest, hottest tour's through town and all of ten people managed stumbled their way to the bar. Punk or hip hop, indie rock or metal--it happens to the best of shows.

Thunder in the Valley, though, hasn't ever seemed to have that problem here in Fargo. It might have something to do with the fact that The Deaths introduced them to their adoring hometown fans. But it probably has more to do with them being one of the best bands to come out of Minneapolis in recent years. They've won awards (and studio time) and have huge buzz amongst MSP scenesters, so why are they back for they're second headlining show in our way-north neck of the woods?

"We've always a good time there, ever since the The Deaths first brought us out," said lead singer Graham. "People are friendly, the shows are fun, and everyone is a blast to hang out with after the shows."

To be fair, it's hard not to have fun at a Thunder in the Valley show. While Graham cites old rock and roll and '60s garage pop as heavy influences, there is clearly a grab bag of references in even single songs. Between the Kinks and Zombies sound, you can also pick out some old soul, Americana and, more currently, dance-punk. With the band sounding somewhere between bar rants a'la Craig Finn and pirate chanties, Graham teeters back and forth screaming into his mic like a carnival barker. And, somehow, you can't help but dance.

Last time Thunder in the Valley played Fargo, however, the crowd was a little shy. Graham had to yell at them to get on the floor and dance.

"I don't know what to say about that. That whole thing was probably the result of a few too many beers and a pretty sweet cover of 'Center Field' the band upstairs played," he laughs. "I think it's just a bit more fun to play when everybody loosens up and has a good time, and sometimes you just try to encourage it a bit."

After two shows with the band, the crowd shouldn't need too much encouragement this time around. Hell, they'll probably be dancing and shouting along like drunken pirates.