A thorn for every heart - as their name might suggest is a great combination of music styles. Pleasure and pain are the words that first come to mind and the album flows smoothly between these two subjects and feelings with ease.
In addition to the subject matter, the dueling vocals of Kelvin Cruz and Jeff Harber use a combination of melodic pop-punk-rock harmonies and the screams of emotion that lies deep within the hardcore scene. Combine these vastly different styles and you have A Thorn For Every Heart — a very interesting musical experience indeed.
If you are looking to be educated or inspired though this is not your band. Their purpose is to simply rock with as much melody and emotion as possible.
The song structure is interesting and varied with many different musical breaks and interludes and the musicianship is top notch. These boys have only been together a short time but they sound solid and experienced as any veteran band could.
Personally my favorite song on the album is the masterfully executed "Things aren't so beautiful now - part II" which starts off with enchanting piano and quickly builds to a rocking chorus and back again. The song breaks and melodies are interesting and addictive and this is one of the songs that step back from their signature melody and scream combination. The result is an excellent melodic rocker.
The only downside to this group is that this musical journey might not be for everyone. Personally I enjoy many types of music from Jazz to death metal so I would enjoy the obvious contrast in vocal styles used within this album. The average pop/rock fan might find the thorns are more than the heart can deal with. I'm guessing that most rock fans will enjoy this album and appreciate the original combination of vocal dueling and the ultimately addictive melody that is Cruz, Harber, Nguyen and Powell — the united vison that is A Thorn For Every Heart.
Recommended for: Fans of pop/punk (i.e. Jimmy Eat Wworld, Good Charlotte, Mest, etc.)
Vibe: 95%
Production: 90%
Songs: 90%
Length: 90% (Only 10 songs - could have been better)
Total score: 91% out of 100%
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