"Runaway Feeling" is welcoming, relaxed, a content singalong and conversational in a song, touching on Ricky Nelson and tips hats to a Frankie Valli signature. It's a comfortable setup for the rest of their album which has a rock 'n roll feelin', inspiring with an unassuming air. The harmonies mix with the perfectly aligned acoustics.

The Thorns open their self-titled album with a fun acoustic number and lead us into a following gorgeous heartwrencher, "I Can't Remember". It has enough catches and hooks to get healthy radio play. These guys could be destined for greatness regardless of PR maneuvers. In "Blue," they shine with serious vocal weaving, reminding a bit of Collective Soul in their capacity to create a craving for repeated listenership. "Think It Over" is pure America (the band) with a guest flow of Ricky Nelson (the son). These Thorns have proven their choice agility once the fifth and title track begins to pierce its way in with that persistent drumbeat and riffing guitar. The mockery in the vocals is almost polite but you can't miss it. The song exudes a cynical sense we've heard in certain songs from Bob Seger to Tom Petty to the Pretenders to Cheap Trick. But you feel you're smarter after it seeps into your recall center, like you've personally been let-in on a nudge-wink contextual running conversation. Also, you'll find it sings itself upon you when you're out somewhere, away from emergent access to a stereo. "No Blue Sky" is a hats-off to Collective Soul and vies for being the cd's favorite track, among any four or five others, depending on mood of course. "Now I Know" is perfect in its suspense and hold, a brief quite usable as a preamble or backdrop for an art installation, with a followup of say, "Dragonfly," which carries release in its motion. "Long Sweet Summer Night" charms us to call friends, clasp a jug and sing along. It too belongs on the radio. "Such a Shame" is voice-instructive as sheer joy. (You'll hear.) "...Set the World..." is vocally impressive and the guitar solo is a tinge dirty, a la a one Mr. Page. "Among the Living" is a bittersweet, melancholy chiming piece and, like the rest of the disc, plots mercilessly to create millions of buyers who are compelled to write favorable fan reviews resulting in countless album sales and perennial tours.

Do check "Such a Shame" again. The influence here procures in those internet link-slots (whereby we see such leadups as, "If you enjoy also the sound of...") as extensive a list as you can get. The range runs from those mentioned plus a couple borrows from Dave Matthews, the Beatles, some Glenn Frey, and even Art Garfunkel and Frankie Valli.

A definite and solid four stars for these gents and this effort, considerations for their remarkable vocal artistry and succinct concentrate from within their musicianship.

-Morgan Field

reviewed in Winter 2003 - 2004