Ōtautahi based Fraser Ross brings us Thunderhead, the title track to his up-coming full album release – due 22nd March, so not long to wait – and its promo vid.

Written as an introspective review of how it feels to be moving on from place to place while on his travels through the USA, the track is an exercise in catharsis for Fraser to heal from the guilt of moving on and the yearning to turn around and stay, having made connections. The term Thunderhead refers to Montana USA’s Thunderhead Artist’s Refuge, where he penned the track. The vid, shot with his amiga Robyn Jordaan, follows him throughout a quirky adventure along the streets of Christchurch on a scooter. At times he’s sitting on a chest of drawers nestled on the scooter, and at other times he’s throwing clothes around. New Brighton pier plays a role as a rather major prop, as Fraser casts his scooter, drawers and clothes into the sea off the end of it as the sun sets. Amusing and, as mentioned, quirky.

The track itself could have been written by Dylan, frankly. It’s got that slightly off-rhythm yet still rhythmic form to the lyric structure, phraseology and the general melody. Telling a story with a conversational tilt to the lyrics, atop a trebly guitar and a sweet, warm rhythm section. It’s a mid-tempo number with a lot to say, ending in a very good lead guitar solo that emphasizes the emotive undertone to the overall song. No shredding – the lead is an orchestrated harmonic addition and it closes the song perfectly in tune and in tone.

This one got its life breathed into it at Welly’s Surgery Studio. Lee Prebble mixed, and Mike Gibson mastered, so no wonder we get a delicate, bright balance in the end result. I mention the guitar as being trebly. It’s not harsh or grating, rather it’s bright and optimistic.

A well chosen and tactical lead -in to the album release, this one should see some vid airplay on Juice. We can expect a lot of radio time, and I hope he takes his stuff on the road for an album launch tour of some kind, as he’s got a great tenor and some very thoughtful, poignant wordsmithing to bring around the place. If you like the folk/indie scene you’ll like this act and this song.

The vid is on the You Tubes and audio is on Spotty Fly. Pop onto one or ‘tother and have a listen. This will give you the mellows, and cause an attack of the relaxes. Enjoy.