Thunder In The Valley was released December 10, 2009 via Philadelphia upstart Uncle Nicky Records. Produced by Tom Hamilton (American Babies, Brothers Past) and mixed by producer Bill Moriarty (Dr. Dog, Hoots and Hellmouth), the album showcases the songwriting of band members Joe D’Amico, Tim Celfo and Paul Wilkinson. Preserving the core instrumentation of acoustic guitar, mandolin and upright bass—as well as Mason Porter’s signature three-part harmonies—Thunder in the Valley displays the band’s ability to expand beyond its original folk and bluegrass roots with intricate songwriting and arrangements. The album builds song-by-song, as dobro and violin enter the frame, followed by electric guitar, piano, harmonica and more. Opening track “Hard Luck and Trouble” starts with a chaotic rumble that quickly dissolves into a sweet sway of bowed bass and acoustic guitar, with each chorus bigger than the last. “Up In The Hills,” a good ol’ barn-burner and staple at live shows, is captured with all the energy MP fans have come to expect. The title track’s mighty intro is topped only by the ferocity of its ending refrain. And the band’s ability to create masterful vocal arrangements is evident throughout the entire record—but particularly near the album’s end, in songs like “nowhere,” “Snow Angel” and “Delta Queen.”