the union the union

Released: 23 August 2010 Label: Payola

The Union consists of Luke Morley, formerly the guitarist for legendary UK rock band Thunder, and Peter Shoulder, ex vocalist and guitarist of Winterville, and the culmination of their background’s has produced a self titled debut album of material that introduces you to modern tinged classic rock, blended with blues and country and elevated with Shoulder’s sensitive vocals. Judging by all twelve songs on the album, The Union is definitely the unification of two musicians who share a similar vision as well as impeccable song writing and immense talent.

After penning much of Thunder’s catalogue himself, it’s no surprise Morley had big things up his sleeve after the band recently parted their ways, and joining, talented beyond his years, Shoulder was a smart move. The two already have a main stage, High Voltage Festival performance to their names and the debut album is the perfect example of why. It’s a real collaboration, although born from the bluesy hard rock both men are famous for, The Union is more varied than anything previously recorded by either musician and the vocals are soulful where the need to be whilst being raw, rock the rest of the time. Excellent vocals supported by excellent musicianship. It seems they’ve had creative freedom with this record and explored acoustic styling’s and ballads with tracks like Saviour, blues and country in Black Monday and Amazon as well as reflecting back to their rock roots in Watch the River Flow.

No Thunder or Winterville remake, The Union brings together two outstanding talents in British rock, and their debut album is an impressive collaboration, created from the unique pairing of youth and experience.

by Talena Brayer