EP Review: Mothman and The Thunderbirds – Gazer (Self Released)

Mothman and The Thunderbirds have returned once again, this time with the space-themed EP ‘Gazer.’ It will be released on June 23rd, 2023, and features an original track called ‘Gazer’, two covers that keep with the cosmic theme, and an instrumental demo bonus track called ‘Liminal Spacetime Continuum.’

New Mothman and The Thunderbirds is always a reason to celebrate, and while this EP might only feature one new track, it’s such a strong track, few can complain. Gazer, the title track, is trippy but has anthemic qualities that stem from the energised rhythm. It’s space rock, with some clever experimentation to give it a psychedelic flavour, that gets stuck in the head for some time.

So, how about the covers? Well, it would take a very special cover for me to enjoy Smash Mouth’s All Star and this isn’t it. Not to say that it’s a bad cover, I really do like the wacky cosmic taste that Mothman and The Thunderbirds give it, but if I never hear the original ever again, I’ll die happy.

That strength in feeling is not quite there for The Byrds’ Mr. Spaceman, so it does mean this cover can be enjoyed in a more aloof way. Again, Mothman and The Thunderbirds really do transform the original, and make this version its own thing altogether.

It’s a fascinating pair of covers. All credit to Mothman and The Thunderbirds for thinking outside the box here and continuing to showcase what they’re about. The cherry on top of this interesting EP being the bonus track, the instrumental demo of Liminal Spacetime Continuum.

Mothman and The Thunderbirds – Gazer Track Listing:

1. Gazer
2. All Star (Smash Mouth Cover)
3. Mr. Spaceman (The Byrds Cover)
4. Liminal Spacetime Continuum (Bonus – Instrumental Demo)

Links

Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram