The band’s fifteen years of music and ministry have created a revolving door of players; “Blood and Gold” features ten, a mix of founding members and a few of the next generation. That probably partially explains the old school vibe that shows through both their studio art and their live shows: the band is as much about its relationships as about their sound, giving their shows a family feel, sort of a warm, non-chemical deadhead groove.
The original songs on “Blood and Gold” are written mostly by frontman Steve Rahter, whose strong vocals give Crown of Thorns its signature sound, one of edgy sincerity. Their arrangements second it, with a nice diversity running through this third project, from the opening title track, an electric rocker thick with fuzzy guitars and some sweet blues changes, to the bouncy ‘50s vibe of “The Real Thing,” very Stray Cats, to the Eagles-like instrumental, “While Angels Kept Watch.” There are some very well-crafted songs on “Blood and Gold.” I wish the production values let them shine as they deserve, but there are unfortunate muddy spots that at times leave the vocals struggling to come through. Although it’s not enough to completely diminish your enjoyment of this lively album, the band deserves better.
The album’s second half is the one that kicks, including the bluesy sizzler, “Untouchable,” giving vocalist Barbara Mooney room to move into high gear, and the dreamy worship track, “On This Eternal Day,” featuring some softly muted soprano sax over a bed of quiet strings. The heart-warming live bonus track brings it home with a sweetness, a child’s vocal lifting praise over more mellow strings. Makes me wonder how far Crown of Thorns could go with the right production. Visit them at their myspace for more information.
