When I was at The Cornerstone Festival this year, I saw only a small handful of bands. I really didn't have the urge to see anyone. The last band I got to see right before I left for home was Suffering And The Hideous Thieves. I was blown away by their stage presence. There was only a handful of people there so it was pretty intimate. I only have 10 bucks left to spend so I picked up one of their albums, "Rats In Heaven". It has become one of my favorite albums and has been on my constant rotation for over a month now. I received their newest album, "Ashamed", in the mail a week or so ago.
I only have one other album to compare their newest album too. "Ashamed" is a more structured work and seems to flow a little better than "Rats In Heaven". Their pop style makes a bigger appearance and sounds like a bigger and better Pedro The Lion. There is a more instrumental material on "Ashamed" than "RIH" but I don' think that is a good thing. I love hearing Jeff Suffering. I love his lyrics and how we stretches the boundaries of what a Christian can say about faith and sin. Let's face the truth that his voice won't win him any American Idols competition but it fits this band perfectly. Although "Ashamed" is more polished and artistic, it still doesn't touch the greatness of "RIH". It's a very very good and solid album but it just doesn't have the power. Pick it up and make your own decision.
3/4
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Justin WrightThis 90-lb. wuss has put on some weight, and it looks (sounds) good on him. Jeff Suffering is joined by ten other diverse musicians--the Hideous Thieves. The musical lineup could have been comprised from a group of kids that were good enough to be in the school marching band, but were too punk rock to try out. Violins, accordions, sax, and clarinet have been put to good use to make a very…Similar sounding releases
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