Thunderbirds Are Now!

Thunderbirds Are Now! emerged from Detroit as a high-energy freak-out trio led by Ryan Allen on vocals and guitar, Scott Allen handling keys, vocals, and sampler, and Mike Durgan on drums, though the bass slot shifted among players including Marty Smith and Howard Chang. The group honed its jittery, rhythm-driven and shout-heavy style across the 2002 full-length Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief on Action Driver and the 2003 EP Another One Hypnotized By..., issued by the Flint indie label Acutest. Momentum quickly built around the band, prompting French Kiss to offer a deal. Their debut for the label, Justamustache, surfaced in spring 2005. Critics responded favorably, while audiences and writers alike singled out the group’s high-spirited, disorderly concerts for special notice. Throughout spring and summer 2005 the band maintained a rigorous touring schedule, frequently appearing alongside Enon. Early in 2006 Durgan departed, with Matt Rickle of the Javelins stepping in on drums. The revised lineup tracked the more pop-oriented follow-up Make History alongside Enon’s John Schmersal, and the record arrived that autumn.