Thunderbirds Are Now!

Detroit freak-out artists Thunderbirds Are Now! feature Ryan Allen (vocals, guitar), Scott Allen (keys, vocals, sampler), and Mike Durgan (drums); the bass position seems in flux, but included at various points Marty Smith and Howard Chang. TAN! perfected their nervy, beat- and yelp-addled sound with 2002's Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief LP (Action Driver) and the 2003 EP Another One Hypnotized By..., released through the Flint indie Acutest. Buzz began and stuck with Thunderbirds; soon French Kiss took notice and signed the band up. Justamustache appeared in spring 2005. The album received strong notices in the press, and TAN! garnered plenty of praise for their fun/chaotic live performances. They toured steadily through spring and summer 2005, sharing stages with outfits like Enon. Early the following year, Durgan left the band and was replaced by the Javelins' Matt Rickle. The new lineup recorded Thunderbirds Are Now!'s second, poppier album, Make History, with Enon mastermind John Schmersal; the album was released that fall.