“Cross Stitch” has an obvious rock theme right away. Throughout the ten cuts, Shannon Hudson packs the record with solid guitar, solid drums and a raw energy that makes for a classic rock sound, modern rhythm. Some nice variation with the combination of electric and acoustic guitars also allows the songs to move from the heavier bits to the more relaxed as and when needed.
The first track, “Black Roses” is solid, featuring gritty guitar work and an assured, effective vocal. The album is chock full of riffs and progressions in the guitars, as well as solos that add a further boost to some of them. The guitars are all prominent and the rhythm section is not cluttered, maintaining a stable groove below.
There is more to the album than its rock sound, though. Hudson’s writing is about troubled relationships, isolation, alienation and the widening gap between people. “Touch and Go” explores a relationship falling apart and “Lockdown” is not just about the pandemic, it’s about divisions that already existed. “Game Changer” questions the pressure to constantly improve and optimise our lives.
The title track is another side of the record, as things break apart is a theme of the album. Hudson’s vocals are also decent throughout, they are expressive but don’t overpower the instrumental.
“Cross Stitch” is a sincere rock song with solid grooves, good guitar work and sensitive song construction. It provides sufficient energy to carry the music, and allows for space for the lyrics and vocals to come together.
