Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
2003
Album Summary
Wonderful Rainbow is the third studio album by noise rock band Lightning Bolt. It is considered to be their most accessible album, featuring heavy but catchy bass guitar riffs and frenetic drums. This album is listed in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, which describes the band as creating "a mix of sheer abuse and welcome diversity, for a truly challenging listening experience".
WikipediaI was downloading this as I boarded a plane so I could listen on the flight. It barely completed downloading before the door was shut and we were on our way. Without internet I had no inkling of what it was I was about to listen to. Somewhere over Idaho around the third “song” the plane encountered rough turbulence. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was going to be the last album I hear. The thought started making me giggle. And as the cacophony continued in my headphones the plane bounced more intensely and drinks were spilled and I giggled harder and odd uncomfortable looks were coming my way. If only I could be playing this over the plane’s PA... a vision that turned my giggling into open laughter. If you’re reading this then it would seem I survived both the flight and listening to this album. I was on the verge of awarding this my second ever 1 star rating. Then again, it did manage to give my flight a mad tea party vibe. I also really love the album cover. “Wonderful Rainbow” is a great title against the soundscape it presents. No, this will not be joining my lowest rated album even though I likely will never make it through the whole album ever again.
A conversation from the mid-2000s: The White Stripes - "Ooooooo look how much noise we make with only two people." Death From Above 1979 - "But we make even more noise with two people so there!" Lightening Bolt - "Hold my pint..."
Ridiculously fun and energetic, a missing link between metal and dance. Like throwing a box of firecrackers into a bonfire. One of the best discoveries I've made here, I just wish I'd been into them at the time.
Don't know what it says about me but I'm able to focus on task at while listening to this. I'll listen again along with the genre.
2/10. Probably the least wonderful rainbow I've experienced. It was like someone took the noise of unplugging your earbuds in the middle of a song and made that into a whole damn album. There are definitely some bits where there is a bit of an interesting beat going, but not enough to redeem it in my eyes.
This album was shown to me in 2014 by the weirdest, nicest guy I ever knew in College. Shoutout to you, Pat! A challenging listen at times, but the bass grooves are sick and really get me into a rythym. More accessible than a lot of noise rock haha. It probably should be a four, but I'm rounding up for positive memories and my bias for cool bass.
Love this album. Lightning Bolt are one of the best live bands I've ever seen. Complete chaos. This is probably their best album too.
Incredible. It's like the rhythm is hanging on by a thread and they keep trying to cut it with a saw. Definitely best played loud, but it isn't just noise. There is real music in there. This is what I listen to this list for. Something completely new.
Never heard of them. Went in blind. Ooooh, yeah, vibes. Love this. Instantly reminded of And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead. Not sure why you'd bother with the vocal track except as possibly a hint? It's def growing on me. Crown of Thorns had an AC/DC guitar riff vibe to it. Fun! Okay, yep. Def an Elaine album. Certainly not for everyone, but I'm down with a well-done noise rock album for background music.
I do like me some noise rock. Reminds me of hold your horse is, and they did come out only a year apart I suppose. I really enjoy the chaotic math rock rhythms, but there's some solid guitar work too. Gets a bit repetitive in places but overall good stuff, I was a little surprised it was on the list since it's not that well known and a bit niche
This is bracing for a Tuesday morning. Crazy, inane, frenetic. Not an album I'd ever put on for fun, but a wild ride. I still bear the scars from seeing these guys at All Tomorrow's Parties festival. Not counting the time security made the crowd sit down; those guys are real killjoys.
Sounds like my brain is getting completely disintegrated in an atomic blast... in a good way. You know how people say that metal music makes them feel strong, like they could punch an elephant? This makes me feel like I should go to the nearest gym and ask to get punched in the face by the buffest guy there (again, in a good way).
Despite its label of "noise rock", this album never encourages the listener to tune out. The indistinguishable vocals aid the album in becoming a discordant parody of rock tropes. With enough fresh bizarre riffs and melodies to keep each track distinct from the last, the fun of this album is the chaos it creates, and seeing just what it will throw at you next.
You haven’t lived until you’ve seen Lightning Bolt live. You think this record is noisy, chaotic and heavier than Brendan Fraser in The Whale? This is a mere appetizer for the insanity of a Lightning Bolt show.
SEE YOU IN THE EVENING SEE YOU IN THE DARK SEE YOU IN THE DAYLIGHT AND IN THE BEYOND
Pretty good & heavy. Some rocking tunes but got pretty annoying at times
This kind of noise rock not my cup of tea, but these guys not bad. “2 Towers” was the standout for me.
Kann man das performen ohne die erste Reihe den Genuss eines Amphetamin-Schweiß-Sprinklers zu schenken? Raw 2.5
Was not expecting to see Lightning Bolt, of all bands, on this list. Occasionally locks into a groove that doesn't really go anywhere. It's like if Death From Above 1979 decided to go as un-commercial as possible. When it hits, it's a massive burst of energy in static colors. Favorite tracks: "Dracula Mountain", "Crown of Storms"
Wow. Unique. I thought a two-piece band but bass and drums not guitar and drums? How's that going to sound? Pretty cool actually. It's a lot of noise, which is a bit of a knock. But the bass is absolutely pumping; wouldn't have minded a bit more variety from the drums instead of just bash them as hard and as fast as possible. And just cut out the vocals, if you can call them that. It wouldn't be all the time, but I can see some situations where I'd go back and put this on. I found myself rocking out to 2 Towers on my second listen. I love the bass work on this album; not a lot else. Good offsets the bad, enough for an average rating.
I think calling this noise rock is a bit unfair. The first time I heard this, I started thinking of this as just noise. Now, there are some moments where it does get very repetitive, and a BIT more melody would be more helpful. But as a whole, it's pretty good. A whole album does get a little... on the nerves. A song or two on shuffle is a nice palate cleanser, but 45 minutes worth? Nope.
Insane that this is just bass guitar and drums. There were some cool ideas here, but the charm kinda wears off quick. It's not bad, it just seems very one-dimensional. Worth checking out, though!
Noise Rock is a different kind of genre, it certainly is not for everybody. I would not place it as one of my favorite genres but I do enjoy this album. "Assassins" feels like a Muse interlude or filler track. It is good it just is all build with no resolve. Honestly that entire sentiment tracks for the album, "2 Towers" is seven minutes of build which is anxiety inducing. The back half of "On Fire" was good minus the vocals on that. "Longstockings" is a great track until the scratchy breakdown at the end and again minus the strange vocal parts. I want to love this album and at the same time I want to hate this album. Some of the noise was a little too much for me and other parts were amazing. It sounds like a lot of different artists most of the time I was getting Muse and I also heard some RHCP elements in there too and some others that I can't place but know. It is also a fairly quietly mixed album and I had to bump up my volume to hear it clearly.
This was.... interesting. Not something I would listen to on my own, but the instrumentation and manipulation of sound is intriguing. Not necessarily my cup of superdupercaffeinated tea... but ... interesting. I definitely didn't hate it.
3.5 - Fine as far as noise rock goes but hardly the most interesting, groundbreaking or truly excellent record of this genre. Dimery seems to have a blind spot for Japanese artists, otherwise Boredoms' "Super Ae" would be a much better noise rock selection that's weirder and more fun. Also more original since it was released 5 years prior to this record.
30 seconds in and I was miserable. How was I going to get through the whole thing? But after about 2 minutes something clicked and I really dug the groove. I like the mix of noise, chaos, metal, dance, and jazz. Moreover, unlike a lot of the more esoteric albums on this list, I feel like these guys are *talented*, *know what they are doing*, and most importantly *are having fun*. That mood really comes out and infects the listener. Don't know if I can go all the way to 4, but I'm in the high 3s for sure. Consider my interest piqued!
2.4 - challenging album to get through. “Crown of Storms” was a standout for me. That said, the album’s heavy, dissonant and lack of melodic sound made it a tough listen. I like bitterness in the right time and place - but I couldn’t eat a whole meal of it. Similarly, I could enjoy one or two of these songs to upend my palate, but I think less is more works best for me here.
A windblown furore of noise. The book describes it as being challenging to listen to. Couldn’t have said it better
In Apple Music unter „Punk“ geführt, rechnete ich bereits wieder mit dem üblichen Schlimmsten. Weit gefehlt. Das ist geil! Und ich bin erst beim vierten Song. Es bleibt auch nach dem zehnten Song dabei. Das ist geil! 2 x laut (!) durchgehört, meine Ohren fiepen. Das ist geil! Wie soll ich heute Nacht pennen?
Like that part on an album when the band are tuning up or something gets unplugged, but thats the entire album... Superb
One of my favorite band, One of my favorite album. What's good ? It is pure energy. Also try Thumper, a rythm-game made by Brian Chippendale. it's good! Appreciate that it is one of the 1001 best albums.
Never heard of them but what a brilliant band! The mindblowing noise they make with just the two of them. Saw the once brilliant Editors live yesterday and it was boring. only light effects and bombastic stuff. This is the real.deal reminding me.of the dutch noise duo ZZZ.
Ich würde gerne 4 Sterne geben, habe aber irgendwie nichts konkretes an dem Album auszusetzen. Es ist, was es zu sein versucht und sehr gut darin.
Very enjoyable, haven't heard of them before, but enough pop hooks in the noise landscape to keep me entertained. A few surprises, a few good crescendos, a few lingering questions, the most pressing one: why does Dracula Mountain sound like Shellac's squirrels are chasing me? Too noise: 30'000 Monkies; Best Song: Crown of Storms; Fun Song: Dracula Mountain; worth a mention: Duel in the Deep. Production 4/5 Songwriting 2/5 Musicality 3.5/5 Fun Factor 5/5 Nostalgia 5/5 (reminds me of Dÿse)
Funny how this album is called Wonderful Rainbow because it is a rather apt description of it's neverending barrage of pummeling velocity that summons you into submission. Yet, for all of its abrasiveness, it is at least mindful enough to not only be headbanging but groovy in its own way. A very 21st Century sort of Sturm und Drang.
Two-piece Drummer and bassist. Like a wildly aggressive White Stripes. Punk AF.
What a pleasant assault on the ears. I'd love to see these live just to watch the drummer. very tempted to give this a 5 but I think that might be a bit much.
A barrage of sound but I found myself grooving to it. I don't always love noise rock but this was really good. 4/5 stars
Completely new to me - never heard of these guys before. Fresh, I liked it
Ça fesse!!! J'ai bien aimé l'expérience! Faut être prêt à écouter ça mais j'ai trouvé ça cohérent, tout les sons et délires que le gars sort d'une bass c'est fou! Bien aimé le drum, bref une découverte et je vais checker leurs autres albums Pas pour tout le temps ni en soupant mais des fois ça fait sortir le méchant !!
Toimi yllättävänkin paljon! Ehkä musta tulee kokeellisen rokin ja noisen ystävä!
Sold me on the second track and then fluctuated from there, like Death from above 1979 but less talented. I don't mean that in a negative way either the messier playing really lended itself to the chaos of the instrumentation. I'm feeling a light 4 on this one.
Well, from the chaos emerges order. Not something I'd go out of my way to listen to, but am I put off by it? No.
I laughed aloud during '30,000 Monkies' when realizing that its wild title so squarely fits its wild sound. My ears enjoyed these noisy creations.
That's utterly crazy, it's quite the opposite of what I like and still it's so damn interesting, I would listen to it again and that's absolutely unexpected considering my taste. I wouldn't say it's one of my favourite until now at all, but still, the surprise sometimes is worth even more. Maybe it's just that I know nothing of the genre but I have never heard anything like this and it's amazing
Was not expecting Lightning Bolt to make it here, but good, love them. A-
Liked this one quite a bit. There were a few times where it was too repeat-y, but they were short enough sections that it didn't hamper it overall. 4/5
This was pretty good. It has that characteristic manic Lightning Bolt sound, although seems maybe a little more tame than some of their later stuff.
Quite surprisingly this was pretty a great. Sometimes noise rock can be good. It was catchy and I just needed some noise. This had something that bars like napalm death lacks.
This is the weirdest DnB album I've heard, but also the grooviest. Super abrasive and chaotic with underlying rhythmic structure, it reminds me of the peak of an acid trip where your mind goes nuts with only brief moments where you're grounded in reality, only for your mind to slip back into the realm of insane ideas. It's like fast-paced doom metal incorporating elements of classical, prog, punk, and jazz. Honestly, I love nearly every single song. They all flowed from one through the next, and they all took their appropriate time without ever feeling too long or short. Satisfying opener and closer. It's a headache to play the whole thing at once, but it's guaranteed I'll be placing many of these in playlists.
This was another one I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about and ended up liking it a lot! 4/5.
this album is a fire explosion bursting. I think it's great. Not for all occasions and all times but some days i need an album like this.
I've been on a run of classics I've already am familiar with or stuff I'm not interested in. This feels like the first genuine discovery in a while. Just awesome.
Feral and uninhibited. Feels like they wrote this for themselves. Love it in small doses.
This had some really interesting points but in general I find a little bit of the Noise Rock goes a very long way for me. The focalization (particularly the kind of nasally “Captain Beefheart sings The Blimp” only more incomprehensible” stuff I’d had enough of after about two minutes). I suspect it would all be a lot more effective live where the energy of performance could better carry the periodically discordant chaos.
Grating to listen to but I have to admit the drumming was fantastic. 5/10
MAX volume required. As I've said before, I do like noise. 3 good record "Duel In The Deep" kinda hurt my ears though, don't listen to that one. It's sad cause I would've liked that one if it wasn't for the screeching.
Mon genre de challenge. C’est très niché comm style. Ma fille me disait « Mais pourquoi? » en entendant l’album. Parce qu’ils sont capable de le faire! Il y a plusieurs riffs intéressant. C’est demandant comme écoute d’un album au complet, mais c’est le genre d’album que je vais ressortir dans des discussions avec des amis musiciens.
C’est pas une écoute facile ça, mais je suis content de l’avoir fait. Ils ont beaucoup d’énergie. On voit les liens avec Death before 1979.
Kolejny przyklad tego jak lista potrafi odpowiedziec na notatke czlowieka, dwa dni temu niespodziewany traczek od Chicago, ktory mial byc pradziadem noisowego rocka, a dzisiaj dostaje undergrundowy noise na picka, wonderful rainbow jest trzecim krazkiem zespolu, a raczej duetu lighning bolts w ktorego sklad wchodza basista Brian Gibson i drumowy wokalista rowniez Brian, ale Chippendale, chlopaki z wschodniego wybrzeza hameryki, jesli Chicago bylo praszczurem noisa to tutaj jest juz w pelni rozwiniety koncept czystej nieczystosci dzwieku i ogolnego szalenstwa, bo tak najlepiej mozna okreslic takie drumowanie, ktore jest jednak polaczone z basem tak ciezkim jak chwytliwym, ciezko przykladac wage do liryki, bo wydaja sie one improwizowanymi onomatopejami w wiekszosci, z 10 trakow na tych 41 minutach, jedynie dwa sa w miare spokojnie zagranie, to jest otwierajacy hello morning i tytulowy wonderful rainbow, natomiast pozostale 39 minut krazka, to czyste szalenstwo dzwieku jednej gitary i kompletu drumow, nie byl to latwy odsluch, ale jednak wydaje mi sie, ze tak unikalnego brzmienia ciezko bedzie zapomniec, a podobno jest to najbardziej przystepny dla sluchacza material zespolu, wiec co sie musi wyprawiac na reszcie dyskografii, a banda nadal tworzy i podobno ma status kultowej wsrod koneserow noisowego brzmienia, najbardziej plejkowymi trakami sa jak dla mnie dracula mountain i 30k monkies, kolejny ciekawy i odkrywczy albumik listowy
so I have no idea why they named the album this because the last thing I think of is a rainbow its super rough, scratchy instrumentals but actually not bad 3.5
Not my specific cup of tea, but I appreciate the skill behind the music!
Nice to have something that's kind of in my wheelhouse, that I'd not heard of. This was OK but nothing amazing
Tää oli ekalla kerralla aikoinaan päräyttävämpi kokemus. Mut kyl edelleen toimii. Täytyy arvostaa biisien rakentumista ja tiettyä hienovaraisuutta, vaikkei se ihan päällimmäisenä tule esiin.
An intense migraine for 41 minutes and 44 seconds. Not as bad as it sounds; well it's better than being bland. Best Tracks: Assassins; Dracula Mountain; Crown of Storms
I was expecting to hate this and surprisingly didn't. Not really something I could listen to for extended periods of time but it was pretty good. 3.5 stars
IT'S VERY NOISY ISN'T IT?! I DID need to hear this before I died. Not sure if a quiet Sunday morning outside was the right time, but I hear you Lightening Bolt.
This album was kind of weird. Some of it was a 4, a lot of it was a 2 at best. It was just all over the place.
This noise rock band is loud, aggressive and in your face. I was surprised to read that it consists of only two members, a drummer and a guitarist. It was also surprising to read that they cite Philip Glass and Sun Ra as influences. But after listening more closely I can hear Glass’ repetitive driving rhythms and Sun Ra’s psychedelic improvisations, all amped up on speed of course. Despite the chaotic onslaught of noise I was surprised at how listenable this was. I won’t seek this out normally but if I’m ever in the mood for some noise this is quite good.
One thing you can be sure of is that no one's ever gonna sue these guys for plagiarism! They're brutal to listen to but I like their attitude, their relentless unlistenable determination and the fact they can create this wall of noise with just a bass and drum kit. Then of course there's the singing.... I'm glad 1001 picked what is considered their most "accessible" album. A step up from Napalm Death.
When I hear this album, the LAST thing that comes to mind are rainbows… i thought I was really going to hate this album, and surprisingly - I didn’t. It is loud and noisy, but there is something interesting about it. I am glad that I got a chance to hear it. I don’t know if I would ever decide to listen to it again one day voluntarily… 3/5.
I love some noise rock. Low's Hey What way one of my favourite albums of 2021. If this is Lightning Bolt's most accessible album, I feel their fan base would be quite small. The tracks with some good bottom end fuzz and driving distortion laden bass lines were great. The grating high frequency barrage was a bit much at times. I wish I could give it a 2 1/2...
Noise rock. Me ha empezado gustando pero al final se me ha hecho bola. Un 3.
A wonderfully frenetic romp of an LP. Not all melodic attempts here work with the hyper-aggressive instrumentation and delivery, but for the most part this one flies by in a usually enjoyable rush.
The definition of Noise Music. Not sure if I like this. Math rock/math metal. The songs are getting more melodic as the album goes on, which has improved my rating.