Weapons have had a little trim since we last met them, shedding a good few words in the shape of 'Of Mass Belief'.
That's not the only thing to change if this single is anything to go by. When they were operating as WOMB, there were definite similarities with Rage Against the Machine as brash metallic guitars collided wildly with rap vocals and weighty polemic.
Love Is Thunder sees the band changing tack slightly, presenting themselves as a far poppier proposition. This being Weapons, we're obviously not talking about the likes of Xtina here. The mood is far from being all sweetness and light, but this is a song that has a definite pop sensibility. The guitars have been reigned in; and the heavy edge has been swept away to be replaced with chiming indie guitar riffs. Vocally, we're closer to the likes of X-Ray Specs mixing it up with The Cardigans, and there's not a hint of the hip hop influence to be found anywhere.
It's a reasonable song, but lacks the bite we've come to expect from Weapons. It's down to the b-side I Want To Save The World to show where the hearts of the band really lie. It's a far more aggressive tune, chugging guitars, a string section and heavily syncopated vocals all combine to provide a smack to the temple. It may not be instantly catchy, but it's full of heart, and in that respect, nothing in the world of Weapons has changed at all.
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