Thornton
Had A Sword
© 2004 Kevin Thornton (634479051395)
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The sexual ambiguity of Bowie or Morrissey (not glam or maudlin) set over a caberet-esque backdrop of electric piano and vintage guitars (not retro). They create cracked pop in the tradition of (not derivative) Kate Bush, Roxy Music, James, and Tom Waits
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A RECENT REVIEW OF Thornton-HAD A SWORD:
Characteristically, three-piece bands are a
heavy-handed lot. That's not the case with Thornton, a trio who avoid rock formula with the ardor of
experimental standard-bearers like Pere Ubu and Laurie
Anderson. That said, there's nothing dissonant or
theatrical about Thornton's debut album, Had a Sword,
a record that underplays practically
everything-except, perhaps, frontman Kevin Thornton's
sexual ambiguity. Like those of Morrissey, who is an
obvious influence, Thornton's piqued lyrics jab at
sexual convention and romantic equality. "With good
behavior, one gets to pass / Then right across the ass
comes the helping hand," he sings on the gauzy "My
Teacher." Musically, Thornton avoid hyperbole.
Arrangements are stripped down to the essentials:
tinkling piano, unpretentious guitar and muted
percussion. Despite this subdued approach, there is a
grandeur to their album that's owed, in part, to its
dependence on the Baptist Hymnal. Strange as it might
sound, the melodies of songs like "Live in This World"
(a hymn to hiding under the covers) and the
aforementioned "My Teacher" recall the pentatonic
hymnody of rural Southern churches. For those who are
sick of musical derivation and sameness, Thornton's
incongruities and light-handedness are a saving grace.---Nashville Scene
BIOGRAPHY
Thornton is the sexual ambiguity of Bowie or Morrissey (not glam or maudlin) set over a caberet-esque backdrop of electric piano and vintage guitars (not retro). He creates cracked pop in the tradition of (not derivative) Kate Bush, Tori Amos, and Tom Waits echoing with the hymns of a troubled Southern Baptist boy from the Indiana/Kentucky border (not bitter). Thornton grew up with the church on one shoulder and the bohemian theatre world on the other, instilling an odd yet charming juxtaposition into his performances. From holy roller to agnostic homosexual, this a unique talent. He is truly an entertainer, gracing the rock stage as well the theatrical both stateside and internationally.
Upon the debut of his record in 2004, Thornton was awarded the prestigious Nashville Scene Award for Best Rock/Experimental declaring him truly one of Nashville's best. Music Row Magazine was struck by his "fascinating individualism", and Columbus Alive said the album was "at once strange and touching." Soon after, he teamed up with The Planetary Group in Boston for a nationwide radio campaign which led to "Had A Sword" being in rotation on over 120 college stations across the country.
In 2005, armed as a three piece band, Thornton toured the Midwest and Southeast relentlessly. Audiences agreed, as the Nashville Scene writes, "...then there was Thornton, the evening's last and, by far, best band... especially distinctive due to the band's sonic and dynamic range, which is greater than what most rock trios are capable of. Add to this Thornton's smirking, dark appeal, and you have an artistic vision that's not only creatively relevant but also, one hopes, commercially viable."
Early in 2006, Thornton returned to the theatrical stage literally touring around the world perfecting his unique stage presence. Now back in his Nashville home, he is working on his sophomore album, tentatively titled “Some Men Are On The Big Bus” with Jeremy Ferguson (Be Your Own Pet, Forget Cassettes, Cerys Mathews) of Battetapes Studio. The new record is slated for a winter 2006 release.
reviews
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Less is good...and "Had a Sword" proves it.
author: Becky G.This album is the first of many more to come, I hope. Refreshingly, the vocals and instruments mesh with one another rather than compete for dominance. In addition, the inspired poetic lyrics express universal themes that are conveyed in an intimate manner, connecting with the listener. I've listened to this CD several times, and will not put it away until Thornton produces another.
- author: Brandon
Amazing CD has not left my CD player since I bought it.
this cd is a showing of two of the most talented duos ever...
author: john d bullThe cd is great throughout especially we want you and devil worshipper. One of the best cd's i have ever heard to be honest and it blows away anything mainstream. No artists with a huge label has anything on thorntons had a sword...
Thornton: Had a Hit (or 12)
author: Jamie CurtisI got this CD from a friend. I placed it my CD player and there it stayed for a month. My wife and I must have listened to that CD at least twice a day for a full month. We can not get enough of it. Its such a beautiful mix of great songwriting and Kevin and Enochs' angelic vocals. Also, the CD is to be listened from front to back with no stops. Each song builds on the other. The same wonderful band doing a few different song styles. Yet, all worth singing along with. Ultimately, this CD is a must have for any music lover. I am anticipateing the next release already.