Desperate

This alt-rock contemporary Christian music outfit will no doubt earn comparisons to DC Talk and Jars of Clay, but it's fun to take the grungy elements a bit further and think a little bit of Pearl Jam and Nirvana (sanitized and smoothed over, of course) as you listen. Actually, an interesting phenomenon takes place as the disc goes on. There's a gritty intensity to the wall of distorted guitars and booming drums on the simple and worshipful "Jesus Christ," and even the poppy hook of "Lay It Down" has a heavy mood about it. Once they say Jesus, however, it's like a weight lifted (maybe that's intentional?) and "Wind of God" has a lighter flavor and prettier vocal harmony vibe about it. "Take My Hand" is so catchy, it's almost corporate rock — very good corporate rock but hardly as intense as the early tracks. They get back to the heaviness a bit on the moody "Jealous God" and toy with some ambience on "Desperate" and the lush, strings-enhanced "Breath of Life." "Come Holy Spirit" is a simple vocal, piano, and mandolin piece that could translate easily to the pop worship environment. Among Thorns can't seem to decide their exact approach as a rock outfit but their spirit is always front and center. Maybe among Christian rock fans they can be like the Apostle Paul — all things to all people, depending on what you're in the mood for.