Last month The Thing wrapped up a sold-out three-week residency at Night Club 101 in New York City. This followed an extensive European tour of their own earlier this year, along with a slot opening for The Black Keys to a sold-out crowd of 10,000 in Berlin. Due to popular demand, the 4-piece have now added a fourth New York show that will be the release party for third album The Thing, set for release on 6 August via the band’s own label Onion Records. On the new album Jack Bradley shares: “When you go back and look at classic albums, most bands, especially in the ‘60s and ‘70s, have a self-titled album, and it’s usually the coolest and the strongest. We felt really proud and wanted to lead with our strongest foot with this album.”
Ahead of the albums release, The Decibel Decoder found out more.
For those who do not know The Thing, please can you introduce the band with five words.
Jack (Bradley – guitar, vocals): au naturale
Zane (Acord – vocals, bass): rock and roll
Congratulations on your 3rd album, which is self-titled and set for release on 6 August. What have been the main differences in creating this album in comparison with your 2023 debut Here’s The Thing, and your second album 2024’s The Thing Is?
Jack: The biggest difference with the self-titled is that the entire thing was tracked to tape without any computers during the whole process. It was a true experiment of recording in the moment.
What is your creative process?
Jack: It varies, but all four of us bring certain ideas to the table. We lay them all out together and start molding it. Write, arrange, record immediately (ideally in the same day).
Would it be true to say that you could only create this third album having gone through the experience of producing the first two?
Jack: 100% true in saying that. Each album is a reflection of where the band is at that given moment. The 2nd one we were just finding our footing and the third we became a fully realized thing. We aimed to capture the energy of us all together playing in one room.
Which song on The Thing came the quickest, and what was its inspiration?
Jack: A lot of them came pretty quickly. I think ‘Malört’ came together in a matter of minutes.
Zane: Our love for Chicago inspired it.
How did your three nights go in New York after playing with The Black Keys in Europe? And are you looking forward to Australia in October?
Jack: NYC has always been insane.
If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find?
Jack: Absolutely nothing.
Zane: I don’t have a fridge.
For more information on The Thing please check their facebook and instagram.