Combining youth with experience, the Union formed from the ashes of one of the U.K. blues-rock scene's most underrated contemporary bands and from one of its most enduring and successful exponents. Peter Shoulder, the lead vocalist of North East trio Winterville, who recorded just one album, Everything in Moderation, before splitting in 2007, and Luke Morley, the chief songwriter, guitarist, and producer of London rock veterans Thunder, had previously met in 2001 and spent the subsequent eight years working together whenever their respective band commitments allowed. But it was only when Thunder went their separate ways in 2009, after 20 years and nine studio albums together, that the duo began recording material under the guise of the Union. Joined by Morley's former bandmate Chris Childs and Quireboys and Tokyo Dragons drummer Phil Martini for their live shows, they played their first gig in the same year at London's The Relentless Garage, and went on to perform at the Sonsiphere and High Voltage festivals as well as their own headlining tour before releasing their self-titled debut album in 2010. Featuring the singles "Step Up to the Plate," "Watch the River Flow," and "This Time Next Year," it pursued a more eclectic direction than their previous output, taking in blues, Americana, folk, and acoustic rock alongside their renowned harder-edged sound. After scooping Best New Band of the Year at the Classic Rock Awards, they supported Thin Lizzy, Triggerfinger, and Whitesnake on their European tours, and released their second album, Siren's Song, in 2011. ~ Jon O'Brien, Rovi