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Draw Near
This new album has been a pivotal process both musically
and personally for Among Thorns, who said goodbye to their original
lead singer and welcomed new lead vocalist Chad Jarnagin. The
changes have opened new doors for the band, inspiring them to
explore more creative avenues with their music.
"I think we're coming into a season of artistry as well
as being a worship band" remarks Jarnagin. "God is
working in us tangibly as well as spiritually, bringing songs
to us that have a totally different feel."
With a fresh start and fueled motivation, the six members
have seen Draw Near as an opportunity to explore their diverse
talents and to sink their hands into making music. Thirteen stirring
songs have emerged and been captured by producer Paul Mills (Wayne
Watson, Phillips, Craig & Dean, Lincoln Brewster), who worked
with the band at the Dark Horse Studios in Franklin, Tennessee.
"God is working in us tangibly as well as spiritually,"
remarks Jarnagin. "He has brought us songs that have not
only come from a different place musically, but also from hearts
that God has changed."
"We've had the freedom to explore some new areas of music
on this album and we were able to spend a lot of time in the
studio shaping the sound," explains Matt Gilder (keyboards.)
"We're really happy with the way it turned out."
Another area that has been molded is the songwriting on the
album, which was completed collectively by all the band members,
including collaborations with Margaret Becker, Jason Morant and
Jay Hall. "We have all had a part in writing this album,"
continues Matt. "This record is much more of a corporate
offering than our other."
The band's spoken language is both bold and compelling. There
are powerful anthems like, "The Heaven's Declare" and
"Bless the Lord." Alluring upbeat numbers like "Invitation"
and "I Can't Deny." Humble melodies like "Home."
And euro-rock based songs like "Reach Down." The aim
of these songs is to communicate a message of hope to Believers
and to reflect God in a meaningful way.
"I pray that these songs will be food to the heart,"
says guitarist Darin Sasser. "When we step on stage we want
people to experience intimacy in their worship." Chad echoes
his sentiments: "The band's lyrics and music, especially
on this album, are really relevant to the culture we live in.
We want to encourage Believers to enter a place of intimate worship
with a holy God. In other words, it's all about God and magnifying
who He is so that 'He may become greater as we become less' (John
3:30)."
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