Don't call it a solo album -- that's what Joel Marquard of Gospel Claws says about The Through and Through Gospel Review, a new record of 12 traditional style gospel songs he recorded mostly alone, save for a few contributions from members of Where Dead Voices Gather, Dear and the Headlights, and Gospel Claws.
Marquard has been telling me about the album for almost a year now, and it's finally set for digital release from Common Wall Media on October 25, with Marquard planning to "burn some CD-Rs, photocopy album art and make a handful available at Gospel Claws' shows for the download adverse."
Marquard's father Don Marquard, recorded a gospel record when he was the same age, establishing a peculiar family tradition (Marquard appears on the album cover with his own infant son). A sample of Don's record finishes the album.
The "gospel" elements of Gospel Claws have always been present, but it's exciting to hear Marquard delve so deeply into the genre.
Please St. Peter by the Through and Through
I Firmly Believe by the Through and Through