“Helicopters” Thunderegg
Local San Francisco-based indie rock band led by Will Georgantas. Highly intelligent, narrative vocals over lushly arranged chamber pop rock soundscapes. The band traces its origins to a previous iteration formed at Yale in the early 90s. Thunderegg then became a solo project of singer-songwriter Georgantas for a number of years, before reforming as a band. These 8 songs feature truly thought-provoking lyrics woven into well-arranged melodies that are meticulously produced. RIYL: Steve Mason, R.E.M., The Moody Blues or The Alan Parsons Project.
— Francis

Highly recommended: 6, 8, 1, 5, 4, 2, 7. No FCCs noted.

1. (5:33) That’s When The Helicopters Came — Starts with child’s voice and bird sound effects. Stately and anthemic orchestral pop rock. Lush, doubled vocals. Guitar in lead break. ****
2. (2:48) Bye-Bye-Truck — Easygoing stroll. Lilting melodic rock. Strummy guitar. ***
3. (4:52) Bring The Catastrophist — Starts acoustic. Shifts to a much bigger sound at 11 seconds. A bit of an alt country feel in a synth pop rock wrapper. Topical storytelling lyrics.
4. (4:25) Blue Boy — Music box opening. Soaring, wistful indie folk rock. Strummy guitars and reassuring vocals. Reverbed tapping drums. ***
5. (2:39) My Own Old Man — Pulsing synth pop. Almost a New Wave-ish sound, with a sharp snare backbeat and searing synth trail-out ***
6. (5:04) Loyola Dream — Elegant orchestral pop epic. Layered synths under rich vocals, accompanied by march-like beat. Very Moody Blues or Alan Parsons Project. The single! ****
7. (5:46) Ghost Song — Measured ballad featuring a shimmering, swirling synth soundscape. Splashy space effects. **
8. (4:00) Encyclopedia Blues — Snappy, up-tempo jangly guitar rock. Smooth, warm lead vocals with rich backing vocals. Nice hooks. Great guitar-driven lead break. ****