Matching three voices that blend together serenely without ego, is the key product of any successful vocal band. Mathew Sweet, best known for the 1992 hit, "Girl Friend"; alt/folk-country singer Shawn Mullins; and singer-songwriter Pete Droge, combine to bring their love of country-folk music into their own vocally rich creative outlet. As The Thorns, they replicate a sound that has been done many times before, however this may be the tightest collection of three- party harmony music since Crosby Stills and Nash recorded their self titled "boat" album in 1977.
The three troubadours grab you immediately on the first listen with well layered soaring harmonies; but what makes an album of pop structured songs viable, is if it can still sound interesting by the fifth listen, without sounding like a catchy mix of fluff. Graciously, The Thorns manage to avoid that problem.
The deep first single" I Can’t Remember," grabs you with it’s undeniable vocals and melancholy chorus. The comparisons with the aforementioned super group are almost impossible to avoid throughout, and it’s no surprise that CSN&Y drummer Jim Keltner plays drums on this release; along with E-Street band member Roy Bittan on piano. A cover of the Jayhawks tune "Blue" fits the mood, along with a number of other heartland songs, expectedly named "Dragon Fly," "No Blue Sky," and "Long Sweet Summer Night" that will have you cruising with the top down.
Although the acoustic songs are engulfing, the band rocks out on "Thorns", a garage stomp that won’t make anyone miss Nirvana. Along with the alt-rocker "I Set the World On Fire," which is far from catching any fumes, it's a well deserved break from the album’s soft spots providing the listener a punch of brashness.
Built over country flavored acoustic guitars, these three-part harmony numbers will not be shy in touching your ear’s soft spot. However, if you never cared for well crafted acoustic pop, than the Thorns might become a jagged edge in your side.
