This dark, foreboding, but oddly euphoric new album from Jeremiah Soto centers around the theme of persecution of the just. The thorns are the persecutors, using the dictionary definition of a thorn being a source of discomfort, annoyance, and difficulty; an irritation or obstacle. It refers to certain recent problems that have arisen, but by using music as his catharsis, Jeremiah has channeled negative emotions into positive sound waves, from melancholic inspirations such as on 'Beggar's Lullaby' through to the subterranean insomnia anxieties of 'The Burden Of Sleep'. These themes transfer musically into densely layered levels of samples, beats, bass, and shoegaze synths. There are nods towards his Arabic percussion roots, especially on tracks like 'Lose Karma', and glitchy Indian instrumentation and vocals on the uncompromisingly named 'I Want You Headless'. Equally there is strong indie rock feel, and even early electro, for example on 'Flesh Will Fall', which actually tips a nod to Kraftwerk and/or Gary Numan. But ostensibly this is dark global beats, with more edge than an Swiss Army knife. And this time it's personal.

Written, Produced and Mixed by Jeremiah M. Soto. Guitar on, “Feed the Muse”, by Rachel Lazarus. Recorded at Greywall Studios in Folsom, California. Mastered by Mike Wells Mastering in San Francisco.
Model: Kristen Anderson
Photography: Kristine Adams
Thorn acquisition and Stylist: Rachel Lazarus
Thorn research: Stacey Patterson (Fajera) and Rachel Lazarus.

Special thanks goes to Rachel Lazarus, Mike Wells and Kristine Adams for always supporting me in my visions, no matter how crazy they may be, Kristen Anderson for adorning the thorns to convey my vision, Fajera for braving the weather in search of the perfect thorns. I would also like to thank Meliza Wells and Steve Boyles for letting me stay at their home during the post production stage and Carolena Nericcio for allowing us to have the photo shoot at her beautiful studio. More special thank yous go to, Dann M. Torres, Ruben van Rompaey, August Hoerr, and Dave Machek for being my brothers in music and in life and Kaitlyn Swain who occupies my heart and every thought (I am a ghost without you).

This CD is dedicated to those of you who ridicule and judge my work ethics and see me as a threat where no threat exists. Fear and jealousy consume your thoughts, regardless, thank you for feeding the muse. May you be blessed and find peace.