Some Loud Thunder

Released in 2007, 'Some Loud Thunder' serves as the defiant follow-up to Clap Your Hands Say Yeah's massively successful self-titled debut. Produced by Dave Fridmann, known for his expansive and often psychedelic work with The Flaming Lips and MGMT, the album represents a sharp turn toward art-rock experimentation. The most notable characteristic is its 'blown-out' production style, particularly on the title track, which features heavily distorted vocals that polarized critics and fans alike. This aesthetic choice was a deliberate move away from the 'cleaner' indie-pop sound that initially broke the band. The record explores themes of urban isolation and surrealist imagery, anchored by Ounsworth's distinctive nasal delivery. While it maintained the band's signature jittery energy, it introduced more complex arrangements and a darker, more atmospheric tone. Critically, it was seen as a bold, if difficult, artistic statement that prioritized creative integrity over commercial accessibility.