Hot off of their appearance on the Capitol Shut Down Vol. 1 compilation, the Super Stocks’ embarked on their first exclusive album, Thunder Road in spring 1964. Borrowing its name from the 1957 Robert Mitchum film song, this release has a much grittier sound than anything previously heard in the burgeoning hot rod sect of surf music. On Thunder Road, we hear a grittier, heavier version of The Beach Boys’ sound. Each track boasts pounding supercharged enthusiasm. Additionally, the material is outstanding.

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The album opens up with an updated take on Robert Mitchum's 'Ballad of Thunder Road' from the film of the same name. As the album's only cover, it is perhaps the weakest track on the album proving that the Super Stocks were better suited for their own material. The instrumental 'T Roadster' rocks hard with a gritty sax duo and chugging guitars. Conversely, the tame 'Ballad of Bonneville' has the group tackling a short ballad; much in the style of the Beach Boys' 'Spirit of America.' Yet another instrumental, 'Ramcharger' follows while the falsetto laden, '427 Super Torque' shines as the first uptempo vocal original from the band. The doo-wop-inspired 'Deuce- Gas Chevy' is a great moment for the group. The next two instrumentals, 'Wheel Stands' and 'Trophy Run' offer some high-performance playing while 'Draggin' Deuce' has the group step back up to the mic with a catchy piano hook. Just how the 'Hot To Trot' got past the watchful eyes of the executives at Capitol is a mystery though it is a fairly good number in its own right. 'Custom Caravan' is pretty forgettable but adds a fair conclusion to an otherwise strong album.

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Thunder Road is filled to the brim with all the exuberant high-speed intensity you'd expect from a hot rod album. It also is performed with such passion that at many points the combination is electric. A truly fantastic album with plenty of spirit and surprises from any surf/hot rod music lover.