Level Up for Shannon Rose & the Thorns — Gold & Marrow’s Forever

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Photo by Mauricio Ortiz

Shannon Rose’s new band name is all about the vein — the one that creates red blood cells in our bones, and the hidden ore we dig to find in the earth. Gold & Marrow, the new incarnation of Shannon Rose & the Thorns, will release their first album called Forever on Sept. 30.

Their website briefly released the video for “Hold My Fire” off the upcoming LP. The DIY GoPro chase of a video featured Rose and her guitarist/producer Steve Matylewicz running after each other in various parts of Ottawa, including the National Arts Gallery, Morisset Library & the Byward Market. Due to technical difficulties it was removed but another track from the third studio album by Rose called “My Heart 2” was uploaded two days ago.

Because of band members coming and going, and Rose’s writing taking a new direction, the band opted to evolve. The sound is still indie-pop with more than a bit of story-telling and relaxing folk serenade. Her art is at the core of herself, ingrained in her bones, and she tips her hat to those who helped polish her songs into shiny bullion. The new name fits, particularly for an artist who has matured her craft throughout a successful music career that’s borne bright fruit, especially over the last year. She’s played Ottawa Folkfest, RBC Bluesfest, NXNE, and toured the UK, as well as become the protegée of singer-songwriter Basia Bulat this month. Along for the evolution of the band, her fellow prospectors include guitarist & producer Steve Matylewicz, bassist Dave Edwards, percussionist Philip Shaw Bova (who engineered & mastered the record at his studio), vibraphonist & rhodes pianist Michael Dubue, Michael Schultz (wielder of the wurlitzer and the trombone), and cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne. Vocalist Matt Goud also digs deep on another track called “Ice & Snow.”

The album release show will be Oct. 4 at the Black Sheep Inn along with cellist Weinroth-Browne’s duo The Visit. Gold & Marrow will also be playing on Sept. 20 at the newly reopened Record Centre. Stay tuned for more tracks! “Striking Gold” is the song we’re looking forward to feature on our OSBX playlist.