Isn’t it supposed to work the other way? Isn’t innocence supposed to come first – at least some way before emancipation? Perhaps, but that’s not the way Verra Cruz do it.
Following on from their highly acclaimed debut album (the 2006 Fierce! release ‘Emancipation Day’) which received high praise…..
“This is modern, meaningful rock music, with stadium-sized riffs and serious messages.” -Classic Rock
“…their choruses work under your skin. This is a solid hard rockin’ (important to drop that ‘g’) collection.” - Kerrang!
….comes ‘Innocence’- ten tracks with more wisdom and experience and grit and guts than seems reasonable in three decent blokes from round here.
“I think,” says singer Marc, “that with this album we have gone deeper, allowed the songs to be what they are. For me growing up, listening to music helped me to question life, question the status quo, helped me to open my heart, helped me to feel, caused me to look for God. It's our hope that our music can do the same.”
There’s no shortage of honesty and questions on the album. The title track takes the lead, finding inspiration in the midst of honesty and truth:
“The song it's self was written about being married, and finding childlikeness again” explains Marc. “So much innocence is lost so easily in this world. I'm looking to get it back. Marriage has been a really healing thing for me.”
Musically the album reflects this deeper focus. Strings, a touch of Rhodes and a sneak taste of flute all make an appearance, adding tones and colour where they work best. But Verra Cruz are still turned up to 11, still fired by the passion that three guys can channel live.
Says drummer Jimmy, “There's definitely a heavy blues presence on the album, particularly evident on ‘Put The Weapon Down’ and 'Soul On Fire’ But we're also a rock three-piece and influenced by some of the great three pieces – Jimi Hendrix experience, Cream, Nirvana etc. So there are some flat out rock moments on the album which came really naturally
(‘Not In The Fire’, ‘Blind Man’, ‘Freedom’). And then these songs sit alongside some of the most intense and emotional songs on the album like 'Innocence' 'Friend To You' and 'Grace'. These are love songs - or songs about love - so we worked hard to make the production do them justice as songs but also maintain the intensity of the band sound.”
The album features the band’s new bassist – Henry Cross, and was recorded partly at Sam Gibson’s (Delirious?, Pearl Jam, Neil Fynn, Natalie Imbruglia) studio in Herefordshire, as well as in Rustington. The band self-produced, mixed it with Sam back at Chapel Studios and then took it to New York for mastering.
Describing it as ‘a step of faith’, or ‘lots of little steps of faith’, Verra Cruz have hit on something powerful and arresting – an album that lives beyond the ten tracks, an experience that drags the listener in and refuses to let go.
Release date 17 March 2008
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