My lightning bolt review...first listens

Finished listening to the iTunes stream a couple times now...I'm really impressed. Some songs grabbed me instantly, others I look forward to having them reveal themselves over time.

Getaway-great way to the start. I love the rhythm of the verse melody. Mike is doing some interesting licks just before the solo but they are low in the mix, I think this part will be great live. Also Eddie sounds amazing on this track, his vocals are spot in. Song has a great balance of fun and intensity. Oh and hear how cool the guitars sound when they come in on the second verse, funky!

Mind your manners-loved it from when I first heard it. Most rockin track since brain of j

My fathers son - favourite song on the album so far. I hear RNDMs influence in Jeff's bass. Interesting guitar lines in the chorus, classic stone. The lyrics will be sitting with me a while to try figure out their meaning.

Sirens - grows more with each listen. Eds lyrics cut deep. The slide guitar lines in the chorus really add to the emotion, something that is not in the video version. This song brings light years to mind, both in mood and lyrics

Lightning bolt - taking the backspacer sound to new heights

Infallible - channelling qotsa in the verses. The chorus melody is unexpected. It feels almost uplifting, it fights against the darkness of the music.

Pendulum - this one is gonna need several more listens, certainly a binaural feel here.

Swallowed whole - prob my least fave on the album, though I do like how mikes guitar lines come in in the pre choruses, gives a celebratory feel.

Let the record play - mike is rocking out hard during the solos. This will be huge live when they figure out how to end it rather than fading out. This song sounds to me like half full meets backspacer.

Sleeping my myself - I was worried for this....but I love it!! It's lyrically sad but man this version sounds so upbeat. Very unique for pj, the band added a whole new dimension to this song. Thanks Brendan for pushing for this.

Yellow mood - second favourite song so far. Very memorable yet simple chorus. The production on the guitars in the chorus is superb, another song I think will sound different live though I think I'll be treasuring this studio version. The track reminds me of crowded house (check out an album 'together alone' if you have not heard them before, it's a rewarding listen)

Future days - could do without the piano intro, feels a little cheese to me. The song itself is very good though, has a riot act feel to it. Nice way to close the record.

Overall I think this album is a wonderful effort. It seems much more spacious than backspacer and the overall mix has a better balance. This is gonna be in my player for a long time. Bring on the tour and the bootlegs