Krash Jones is a two-man act from Austin, Texas that curiously blends southern rock and alternative rock into one unique project. Their independent debut When The Rain Comes Down opens with the country-flavored rock sounds of "What I Need Is Your Peace." A straight-forward composition, Nathan Brown's vocals seem pretty standard if not so-so at best. But Krash Jones is more than meets the eye, so to speak. The following track "Faithful Friend" begins in sort of an ambient, atmospheric fashion, ala Common Children's later work. It's in this style that Krash Jones succeeds. Josh Karnes' instrumentation (he does everything himself, sans vocals), coupling the southern flavor established in the first track with the atmospheric approach create a greater depth to their sound.

Brown's vocals somewhat emulate MercyMe's Bart Millard from time to time, and aren't really Krash Jones' strong point. Brown's style is slightly too contemporary for Karnes' beautiful contemplative tones, as evident in "Not Just You." The majority of the remainder of the album further explores the southern rock sound established by the first track. The only exceptions, the closers "Little One," an ballad, and "The Way," a Big Daddy Weave-esque jazz/blues hybrid are the weakest of the album's many experimentations.

A passionate and worshipful project, Krash Jones' When The Rain Comes Down is a bold album that may actually suffer slightly from too much variety. Many styles and genres are touched upon with not all of them working out. With a little more focus and some tighter vocal work, Krash Jones could be on their way.

- Review date: 2/4/05, written by John DiBiase