Yarn Saturday Night Sermon
Yarn releases their new studio long player, Saturday Night Sermon, an album that finds the band adding tangs of gospel and soul – via brass, organ, and a gospel choir – to their Southern rock sound.
Talking about Yarn’s evolving sound, frontman Blake Christiana shares, “The band has officially established something remarkable over the past few years. We feel as though we have finally become both a live performance group and an album-producing band, fulfilling our initial vision. The message we intend to convey has also secured its foundation.”
Captured live to tape, Saturday Night Sermon has a raw, in-the-moment feel that immediately pulls you in. The album mirrors the band’s onstage energy, pairing strong, sing-along hooks with a sound that includes classic rock savors.
The opening title track sets the tone, beckoning listeners to participate. The song unfolds at an unhurried pace, floating on rich gospel-inspired layers that swell alongside soulful, gospel-rock guitars.
A personal favorite is “Might As Well Be King,” a brooding, slow-burning track that lingers. Arranged around a bold organ line, a thick, driving bass, and a wailing, searing guitar, the song moves forward with steady momentum. Christiana’s deep, expressive vocals give the lyrics a weighty, commanding presence.
“Longshot” channels the spirit of early Eagles, with touches of Tom Petty and even Lynyrd Skynyrd arriving. On this track, Christiana shows the range of his voice, injecting an abundance of emotion into every line.
Driven by sweeping horn flourishes, “Please” unexpectedly calls to mind Thin Lizzy, though there’s also a subtle Spanish sway running through the melody. The outro blends organ and brass in a striking contrast that comes together beautifully.
The album closes with “A Welcome New Home,” where warm, low harmonies create a glowing, delicious atmosphere. The track gently simmers, carrying a faint echo of Bob Dylan in its relaxed, almost folk-rock feel.
An expertly written and guest-heavy album, with Saturday Night Sermon, Yarn offers up a baker’s dozen of meaningful tracks.
Alongside Blake, Robert Bonhomme on drums, Rick Bugel playing bass, and Andy Thomas as lead guitarist, Yarn continues to evolve both their live and studio sound.
Other musicians on the album include Damian Calcagne (keys), Heather Hannah (vocals), Trevor MacArthur (vocals), Johnny Grubb (bass), Russell Clarke (saxophone), Ward Buckheister (trombone), Charlton Singleton (trumpet), Joseph Mooney (trumpet), Brock Butler (guitar), and Aisha Kenyetta (vocals).
The gospel choir is made up of Sheila, Kayla, Kyle, and Max Carpenter, and Paul Pesco. Produced by Damian Calcagne and Blake Christiana, the album was recorded at The Pinebox in Boonton Township, New Jersey. Damian Calcagne also mixed the album.
Discover more about Yarn here.
Enjoy some of our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Yarn “Born, Blessed, Grateful & Alive”