This is the album that many people believe to be the band's classic although the making of it was a long, drawn-out and difficult process. It was written quickly in two ten-day sessions in late 1987 and early 1988 at the legendary Sawmill Studio in Cornwall, only reachable by boat at high tide.

The following months, though, were far less straight-forward, while NMA chose a producer, another music legend ‐ Tom Dowd ‐ and set about recording the album at The Manor near Oxford while relationships between band members became increasingly strained, only really maintained by the knowledge that they were making something truly special. It brought the band a new member in violinist Ed Alleyne Johnson and was eventually finished back at the Sawmill. It was mixed partly by the band's choice, Andy Wallace, and partly by EMI's, Jon Kelly.

"Thunder and Consolation" was finally released early in 1989, striking a perfect balance between the band's fascinations with rock, folk and soul music and Justin's lyrical interest in spirituality, politics and family relationships. The album brought critical praise and considerable commercial success, including going 'gold' in Germany.

Track Listing:
1 I Love The World (Sullivan, Heaton)
2 Stupid Questions (Sullivan)
3 225 (Sullivan, Heaton)
4 Inheritance (Sullivan, Heaton)
5 Green And Grey (Heaton, Sullivan)
6 Ballad Of Bodmin Pill (Heaton, Sullivan)
7 Family (Sullivan, Heaton)
8 Family Life (Sullivan)
9 Vagabonds (Sullivan)
10 Archway Towers (Heaton, Sullivan)

Musicians:
Justin Sullivan: Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
Robert Heaton: Drums, Backing Vocals, Guitar, Bass
Jason Harris: Bass, Keyboards, Guitar
Ed Alleyne Johnson: Violin