Releases by and projects with the likeable Boston-based singer/songwriter TODD THIBAUD have been a recurring theme throughout the four-decade history of the Swabian Blue Rose label. In 1997, almost 30 years ago, his significant solo debut, Favorite Waste Of Time, was released: an absolute cult album and the beginning of an enduring friendship and unwavering loyalty in their collaboration, as all subsequent productions also appeared under the Blue Rose logo – fantastic studio albums such as Little Mystery, Squash, Northern Skies, Broken, Waterfall, and Hill West, alongside various live recordings, as well as the acclaimed albums by the small supergroup Hardpan, the duo work with his friend and fellow singer/songwriter Joseph Parsons, and the three albums with the intriguing artist Kim Taylor as Water And Sand, a focus of his activities over the last 10 years.
With all these aforementioned projects, Todd Thibaud has toured extensively throughout Europe, particularly in the renowned clubs of Germany, where he has cultivated a large and loyal fanbase, regardless of the specific lineup. And this fanbase is eagerly anticipating seeing him again in April/May 2026 on his extensive tour of nearly 30 shows across the country. Unlike his recent performances with Water And Sand, Parsons/Thibaud, or even his album Hill West from seven years ago, there will be no quiet, reflective, acoustic Americana tones. On the contrary, a loud, full-on electric guitar rock performance with a suitably equipped five-piece band is promised!
Just in time for the tour, the fresh, high-quality album Alchemy, packed with 10 brand-new songs, has been released. Thibaud recorded it this year at the legendary Q Division Studios in Massachusetts with his live band, comprised of longtime friends and collaborators. With its loud, dynamic sound, catchy guitar riffs, and rocking band arrangements, Alchemy perhaps comes close to the extroverted atmosphere of Waterfall (2013). Even more so, the new tracks are reminiscent of earlier masterpieces like Favorite Waste Of Time (1997) and Northern Skies (2004), or even the cult classic Courage Brothers, Thibaud’s first professional band from the early 90s! This is music with a clear pop/rock mission and a first-class mix of West Coast, Heartland, and Prairie rock, based on solid singer-songwriter traditions and that melodious indie roots/guitar pop that was invented in the 90s by long-forgotten bands like Vigilantes of Love, Gathering Field, Floating Men, Swinging Steaks, Cravin‘ Dogs, and, last but not least, the Courage Brothers. Or, to put it a few notches bigger: Alchemy possesses the fundamental virtues of all the Heartbreakers, Wallflowers, Jayhawks, BoDeans, and Gin Blossoms, with a healthy dose of Springsteen, Mellencamp, Hiatt, and the like. But the end result, of course, bears Todd Thibaud’s unmistakable signature!
The opening track, ‚Follow,‘ immediately sets the course for the following 37 minutes: three raucous, loud, yet highly melodic electric guitars over a strongly accentuated rock beat, where the dynamic drums are mixed prominently, hitting the eardrums hard. Thibaud’s signature velvety-rough, captivating lead vocals, along with constant four- or more-part harmonies, create an early sense of bliss. ‚Fight Or Flight‘ is an uncompromising hard-rocking power song with soaring, driving guitars and a direct-in-your-face punch from the rhythm section. ‚Burn‘ impresses with irresistible riffs and relentless hooks. This is nothing less than pure, unadulterated kickass rock ’n‘ roll! ‚Farewell, So Long‘ starts as a concise 60s-style garage rocker, before culminating in an epically expansive chorus, here exceptionally heavily supported by analog keyboards like Chamberlin and Pump Organ. The first and, until the very end, only (!) slower ballad appears midway through the album: With its soulful, dense accompaniment of a tight rhythm section, expansive electric pianos, and just the right Steve Cropper-esque guitar licks, ‚Wait For Me‘ would fit perfectly on any Muscle Shoals compilation. ‚Alchemists‘ then rocks out again with galloping drums and assertive, yet melodic electric guitars, including rich harmony vocals – situated somewhere between 80s West Coast pop and 90s Boston indie rock (think Fleetwood Mac meets Lemonheads). Almost hard rock-like power riffs follow on ‚Savior‘, while ‚Good Things Now‘ scores with a laid-back sixties flair, surf guitar, banjo undertones, and tropical percussion grooves. ‚Mother Comfort‘ celebrates classic guitar power pop with all the genre’s typical ingredients, from catchy guitars to multi-part harmonies. And the finale doesn’t let up in the slightest: Like a well-oiled machine, the Todd Thibaud Band rolls into the infinite rock firmament of ‚Heaven’s On The Move‘, electrified and with all the ingredients for unleashed concert nights!
Alchemy comes with tasteful artwork and – as befits a seasoned singer/songwriter album – complete with all the necessary credits and lyrics. All 10 songs were written by Todd Thibaud and recorded with the same quintet lineup that will soon be thrilling us live: the master himself on electric rhythm guitar (occasionally also some keyboards) and with his unique, sonorous voice, joined by his longtime collaborators Thomas Juliano on electric lead (also electric piano, Chamberlin) and multi-instrumentalist Sean Staples (here more electric lead guitar than banjo, mandolin, and keyboards), plus the rhythm section of Ed Valauskas on bass (plus keyboards) and drummer Chris Anzalone; all contribute to the magnificent harmonies throughout.