The Thermals Announce New Album ‘Under Crushing Rain,’ Share First Single

The Thermals have announced their first album in 10 years, titled Under Crushing Rain and out September 4. Much like the band’s 2003 debut album, this one was made entirely by Hutch Harris.

Before you ask, Hutch is here with the answer: “For people asking—rightly so— ‘WHERE IS KATHY?’ I kindly answer ‘SHE’S RIGHT HERE, sitting next to me working hard on the layout for the LP, as I write this.’ Not only did I have Kathy’s blessing to make a Thermals LP, I had her help as well.”

With that out of the way, here’s more from Hutch about Under Crushing Rain: ” I set out to make an LP that was incredibly Thermals-like, in the same fashion in which I made More Parts Per Million: quickly, and by myself. Though not as no-fi as the first Thermals LP, it definitely has been made in the same spirit; It is fast, cheap, and totally in control. Produced in my own studio (Brainwash) and released on my own label (Static Catsup Aspic), I believe it is a fine addition to The Thermals’ catalog.”

You can listen to “Spirit Collectors” from the album, and read more about the album and what Hutch has been doing for the last decade, below.

> Hutch Harris on The Thermals’ Under Crushing Rain : Allow me to re-introduce myself: My name is Hutch Harris, and twenty-four years ago I created the “band” The Thermals in the small house I rented in Southeast Portland, Oregon. I did this entirely alone! I wrote the music and the lyrics. I played every instrument on the first LP: guitar, bass, drums and vocals. I am not sure who knows this and who doesn’t. If you’re reading this, consider yourself informed! I recorded the band’s first LP—again, alone—on a 4 track cassette recorder. Once the record was completed, a live band was formed with other living members. Practices were held, contracts were signed, and the group spent the next fifteen or so years either on the road or in the studio. Ten years ago I decided it was enough for me! I broke up the band. Ten years later, I missed it. I didn’t miss practicing (takes too long) and I didn’t miss touring (takes WAY too long and I don’t get to see my dog). What I did miss are the parts that I consider to be the true artistic elements of being in a band: Writing and recording—and I don’t need a band for that! Of course I never stopped writing and recording these past ten years; I released no less than three solo LPs and a slew of singles. But I missed The Thermals. The noise, the nerves and the chaos that the band always embodied. The exuberance, the raw power, and the punctuality! The bottom line is I love The Thermals, and I love making Thermals records. Some of my solo work was a bit similar to a Thermals LP (primarily 2021’s SUCK UP ALL THE OXYGEN) but for the most part I strove to make records that were very un-Thermalslike. Ergo Under Crushing Rain. I set out to make an LP that was incredibly Thermals-like, in the same fashion in which I made More Parts Per Million: quickly, and by myself. Though not as no-fi as the first Thermals LP, it definitely has been made in the same spirit; It is fast, cheap, and totally in control. Produced in my own studio (Brainwash) and released on my own label (Static Catsup Aspic), I believe it is a fine addition to The Thermals’ catalog. For people asking—rightly so— “WHERE IS KATHY?” I kindly answer “SHE’S RIGHT HERE, sitting next to me working hard on the layout for the LP, as I write this.” Not only did I have Kathy’s blessing to make a Thermals LP, I had her help as well. Having dispensed with the gorgeous truth of the project, I only hope now that this record will be heard, enjoyed—even loved—based on its content, and not its backstory. I seriously loved making this record. I feel that these are some of the best songs I have ever written, and I am incredibly excited to share them with the world. Thank you for reading, and listening!

Under Crushing Rain

1. Good Morning Fellow Scavengers

2. A Dark, Dark Place

3. Spirit Collector

4. Now I Believe

5. In the Flow

6. I Have Had Enough Blood

7. I Will Be Delivered

8. Angel Eyes Are Always Watching

9. On A Wind So High

10. Under Crushing Rain

_Originally reported by [Brooklyn Vegan](https://www.brooklynvegan.com/the-thermals-announce-first-album-in-10-years-share-spirit-collectors/)._