Album review: THE UNION – The World Is Yours

Payola (Released March 4th)

The Union – Thunder’s Luke Morley and Peter Shoulder of Winterville – return with their third album in as many years. Listening to the guitar playing of Luke Morley (you can see why David Coverdale tried to tap him up for Whitesnake) and the soulful vocals of Peter Shoulder they compliment each other so well.

The band cover many musical styles on this album from some out and out Led Zeppelin stomp on ‘What Doesn’t Kill You’ through to the gentle refrains of ‘You Can Share My Dreams’. ‘Tonight I’m Alive’ sounds like the Traveling Wilburys, albeit a heavier version when it comes to the chorus.

Peter Shoulder shows why he wins awards on the bluesy ballad ‘Fading Out Of Love’. What a vocal performance, a real spine tingler. ‘Wreck My Song’ sticks out a little, its frantic guitar and in your face vocals reminded me of Queens of the Stone Age. Great tune and a good one for their live set.

Three albums into their career and they show no signs of the quality dropping. The biggest issue now is to get this album the wider audience it deserves and how the upcoming Thunder tour with Journey and Whitesnake pans out. If Thunder like it back on the road will they be up for more recording? Whatever happens we have this fine album to savour and enjoy, already a shoe in for album of the year lists even at this early into the new year.

****1/2

Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 26 January 2026

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR Hell Or High Water (Journeyman Records)
TY FREEMAN One Way Love (indie)
GREY DAZE Monster You Adore (indie)
HOKKA Death By Cupids Arrow (Nuclear Blast Records)
PURPLE DOTS Stared At The Sun (Kycker)
SAINT AGNES Song For Mia (Spinefarm)
STREETLIGHT Shake That Feeling (Frontiers)

Featured Albums w/c 26 January 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

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