Album Review: Thundamentals - I Love Songs

Taking DJ Morgs' pivotal contribution to the Thundas' sound as read, there's been a dichotomy pulsing through the Blue Mountains natives' last decade of releases.

Jeswon has increasingly had his foot on the floor, setting land speed records with his relentless, precise flow. Tuka, on the other hand, has taken off in a flying saucer of his own design, embracing the surprising melodic and rhythmic moments his vocal chords are able to bring to us. I Love Songs represents growth for both emcees.

Just as Tuka found his (singing) voice, Jeswon shows what melodies he's been keeping cooped up on True Love; coupling technical 'ratatat' delivery with more flair than we're used to. Tuka, too, ventures further. Everybody But You a warm, resonant banger - and the album's crowning achievement - requires Tuka to lean in to a few of the different styles he's capable of delivering as a singer. The result is hypnotic. Catch Me If You Can is gentle and approachable; it's nice guy music.

With the backdrops Morgs has painted for them, Jes and Tuka show here that they've shed the simplistic conception we've had about them for over a decade. This is mature and majestic. This is striking. These are songs to love.