With their latest release, “Heart is a Tombstone,” Thunder and Rain embrace a bold new era, blending melancholic storytelling with the energetic drive of bluegrass. The track is part of their upcoming project, Storybook Sessions, a collection that delves into dark, evocative themes while maintaining the band’s signature soaring melodies and intricate harmonies.
“Heart is a Tombstone” captures the emotional weight of heartbreak, likening lost love to a graveyard of memories. Yet, despite the somber theme, the song is propelled by up-tempo instrumentation, showcasing the group’s ability to balance dark storytelling with vibrant musicality.
This single also highlights the band’s new lineup, with Laura Ray and Amelia Ransom adding their rich harmonies to the crystal-clear vocals of founding member Erinn Peet-Lukes. The result is a sound that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern—drawing from traditional bluegrass, old-time folk, and even 90s alt-rock influences.
After nearly a decade of touring and recording, Thunder and Rain has found a fresh creative spark. With Peet-Lukes’ award-winning songwriting and the group’s dedication to capturing the raw energy of a live string band performance, Storybook Sessions promises to be a standout release.
Inspired by harmony-driven groups like The Chicks and I’m With Her, as well as the instrumentation of Alison Krauss & Union Station, Thunder and Rain seamlessly blend rootsy authenticity with contemporary storytelling.
With “Heart is a Tombstone,” the band delivers a soul-stirring anthem that reminds listeners of the beauty found in sorrow—a fitting introduction to this exciting new chapter in their journey.
