Dijkema, Joost
After Thunder Sun
'After Thunder Sun' is Joost Dijkema's third solo album and the follow-up to 2019's 'Time Thief.' Like its predecessor 'After Thunder Sun' reflects Dijkema's eclectic and restless mind. On the one hand it contains one of the deepest solo guitar ragas he has ever recorded ('Vic's Raga') and on the other hand there's his self-proclaimed 'dashboard slapper,' the catchy and suprisingly radiofriendly 'Beautiful Ride.' And there are more twists and turns like the loose/tight folkrocker '(Packin' In For The) Train Of Doomsday' with its noodling Westcoast-style electric guitar ornaments. There's more electric guitar on the driving bluesy folkrocker 'Shards Of Love,' which deals with trying to make a living on your own in this beast called the music industry. The heartbreaker here is 'Buddy.' A song written in the heat of the moment, right after the passing of a dearly loved four legged friend. The album finishes with an ode to the legendary UK singer-songwriter and guitarist Michael Chapman who is/was a great inspiration. Since 'Time Thief' Dijkema has been improving his recording abilities and it shows on 'After Thunder Sun.' It's also his most band orientated album, although it's solely Dijkema playing all the instruments. Creatively, 'After Thunder Sun' expands his musical colors. It keeps one curious in what lies ahead for him. Not at least for the creator himself. What a beautiful ride it is. NPR.ORG (US): "With a few sangin' songs and a regal fingerstyle, here's a young guitarist from the Netherlands deeply invested in English folk traditions, calling to mind Michael Chapman and Steve Gunn."