Since the seventies, Jon Mikl Thor has been terrorizing the punk scene with his god-like artistry and big hammer. In all likelihood, Canadian Thor is probably one of the most popular guys you’ve never head of. His latest release is entitled Sign of the V and, despite its title, don’t be too scared about what you might find. The bark is definitely more sexual than the bite and you’re not likely to get much more positive than this album lyrically (who else would encourage your kids to eat their veggies, right?)
Sign of the V opens with a tribute to Thor’s Vancouver heroes, the Vancouver Millionaires. Much to my delight, this mid-tempo anthem is a ton of fun to sing along to. The album gets a bit heavier after that with the industrial laden “I Want More,” which is pretty awful, at best. The album’s highlight is next. Entitled “Pump Energy Man,” Thor encourages us all to get in shape and stay focuses and build our muscles and not eat junk food, etc. And we must listen because he’s the Pump Energy Man (remember Thor is a former bodybuilder)! Realistically this song is kind of funny but you can’t help but love it in a B-movie kind of way. Other highlights include the classic rock sound of “Stay Young, Feel Young” and the fist-pumping title track.
Overall, I have never known how seriously to take Thor’s music. Over the years I have simply given up trying to figure it out and I have found that his music is so much more enjoyable when you just let go. Have a hearty laugh when you feel like it and raise your fist and yell when the mood strikes you. Sign of the V is the best Thor album in years as far as well-roundedness is concerned. There is a great variety of styles and subjects on this album as compared to most of his releases.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
