Alchemy

Description

Unlike his album Hill West, released seven years ago and produced with a very restrained sound, Todd Thibaud's new album Alchemy contains hardly any quiet, reflective, acoustic Americana tones. On the contrary, it's loud, full-on electric guitar rock, recorded with a suitably equipped five-piece band! With its loud, dynamic sound, catchy guitar riffs, and rocking band arrangements, this is music with a clear pop/rock mission and a first-class mix of West Coast, Heartland, and Prairie rock, grounded in solid singersongwriter traditions and melodious indie roots/guitar pop. Alchemy thus possesses the fundamental virtues of bands like all the Heartbreakers, Wallflowers, Jayhawks, BoDeans, and Gin Blossoms, with a healthy dose of Springsteen/Mellencamp/Hiatt and the like. But the final result, of course, bears the unmistakable signature of Todd Thibaud! Alchemy comes with tasteful artwork and is complete with all the important credits and lyrics. All 10 songs were written by Todd Thibaud and recorded with the same quintet lineup that will also thrill us live in April and May 2026: the master himself on electric rhythm guitar (occasionally also some keyboards) and with his unique, sonorous voice, along with his longtime collaborators Thomas Juliano on electric lead (also electric piano, Chamberlin) and multi-instrumentalist Sean Staples (here more electric lead guitar than banjo, mandolin and keyboards), plus the rhythm section of Ed Valauskas on bass (plus keyboards) and drummer Chris Anzalone; all contribute to the magnificent harmonies throughout.

Description

Unlike his album Hill West, released seven years ago and produced with a very restrained sound, Todd Thibaud's new album Alchemy contains hardly any quiet, reflective, acoustic Americana tones. On the contrary, it's loud, full-on electric guitar rock, recorded with a suitably equipped five-piece band! With its loud, dynamic sound, catchy guitar riffs, and rocking band arrangements, this is music with a clear pop/rock mission and a first-class mix of West Coast, Heartland, and Prairie rock, grounded in solid singersongwriter traditions and melodious indie roots/guitar pop. Alchemy thus possesses the fundamental virtues of bands like all the Heartbreakers, Wallflowers, Jayhawks, BoDeans, and Gin Blossoms, with a healthy dose of Springsteen/Mellencamp/Hiatt and the like. But the final result, of course, bears the unmistakable signature of Todd Thibaud! Alchemy comes with tasteful artwork and is complete with all the important credits and lyrics. All 10 songs were written by Todd Thibaud and recorded with the same quintet lineup that will also thrill us live in April and May 2026: the master himself on electric rhythm guitar (occasionally also some keyboards) and with his unique, sonorous voice, along with his longtime collaborators Thomas Juliano on electric lead (also electric piano, Chamberlin) and multi-instrumentalist Sean Staples (here more electric lead guitar than banjo, mandolin and keyboards), plus the rhythm section of Ed Valauskas on bass (plus keyboards) and drummer Chris Anzalone; all contribute to the magnificent harmonies throughout.