The Thermals

The Thermals formed in 2002 during a time when indie and punk rock needed a pick me up from the post 9/11 era. Their debut record was picked up by Sub Pop records, famously recorded for less than $100 it was a breath of fresh air, catchy, exciting, energetic, political, and hopeful.

From there they’ve released an array of critically commended records that boast an array of fantastic songs to fulfill any live set list.

Vocalist/lead-guitarist Hutch Harris is as commanding of a frontman in indie/punk rock as they come. He pours his soul into each note he plays on his guitar and you can tell as he’s usually dripping in sweat before the band has finished the first half of the show.

Harris is joined on stage by bassist Kathy Foster (she’s also in All Girl Summer Fun Band). Foster’s work on the bass is cool and calm, but she lets you know she’s part of the show and not just to hang around in the back and strum on the bass guitar.

Bring up the back end is drummer Westin Glass. His drumming is the backbone for the group and keeps them in line as he pummels his kit into destruction at a ferocious pace for a lo-fi indie band.

The Thermals songs are quick and to the point, so get ready for a long setlist, but a short show. Get in the crowd and get sweaty with the band, they feed off of your energy and you’ll thank yourself for it later.

I've seen the Thermals three times now and this was by far their best show. Being the 10th anniversary of "The Body, The Blood, The Machine", they played almost every song from that album. Even some of their not-so-great new stuff they played was enjoyable because they have so much energy live. Market Hotel is a great venue for them too. It's smaller, sounds good, and it really brought out the punk side of the band.