Dustin Kensrue - Please Come Home

Thrice frontman Dustin Kensrue's solo side project, Please Come Home, is one of those rare instances where the side project stands out as a stark contrast to the artists normal gig (sorry Andrew McMahon). In this case, Kensrue's alt-country/folk project also proves to be quite an excellent album and allows the singer to not only show his softer side but also allow the listener a little glimpse into the depths of his mind. While his Thrice lyrics tend to be a little more abstract, the words he pens here are an exercise in simplicity, much like the album itself. Kensrue seems to be channeling a little of the Man in Black here, most noticeably on "Blood & Wine," which chugs along with Cash's signature style as Kensrue pulls out more soul than his Thrice vocals suggest. Even at only eight tracks, this is a very good album and leaves you wanting more from Kensrue. Good news: Thrice's new 4-disc LP is scheduled for a 2007 release. [dustinkensrue.com]