Reborn and Sondogs Rock the Square in Chariton, Iowa

Reborn singers and keyboard player (Amanda Coker - not in full view)
along with Sondogs' Robert and John Thatcher 

In spite of some rain and sound equipment difficulties, Iowa bands Reborn and Sondogs played inspired song sets in the Chariton town square to enthused folks who drove in to attend. I was one of the folkage who had the privilege of being there. Reborn, which on this occasion had a number of slots filled in by members of the Sondogs - led in a set of mostly upbeat, yet heart-felt worship. Highlights for me included the opening number - which was a cover of the Chris Tomlin song "No Chains on Me" - as well as their own infectiously groovin' version of "Let it Rise." 


Kara Rich and Andy Rich (related only in Christ) with Sondogs' support

Singers Andy Rich, Kara Rich, and Amanda Schroeder had their usual awesome vocal chemistry going on, and the support of Sondogs' Robert Thatcher added well to the mix.     
At one point, a mystery accordion/harmonica player was even invited to join them for a rootsy Gospel medley of "I'll Fly Away/I Saw the Light."  

Mystery accordion player with Son Dogs' singer Robert Thatcher 

As the set built in energy, the worship participation of the attendees also grew. The band climaxed with the original song "Who I Am" - which featured the solid, rock baritone lead vocals of Andy Rich, as well as the addition of a soulful echo from Sondogs guitar player/singer John Thatcher. The three of them together prompted in my mind hues of Christianized versions of Ronnie Van Zandt (Andy), Michael Stipe (Robert), and Joe Cocker (John) being together on the same platform. It's a very musically rewarding combination. 

After taking a brief hiatus as a band, fans can only hope that this is a hint of a kind of "rebirth" for "Reborn." There are many who will be looking to hear more from them in the near future.

The Iowa Band known as the Sondogs also rocked the square on this wet day in July.


Sondogs siblings Robert and John Tatcher, with John's son Nathaniel on drums

Beginning with retro-esque organ notation, their surprise opening cover version of the W's "The Devil is Bad" was quite a welcomed punch in the mouth to get their set going.

Keyboard player Ian Richardson cranks up the opening notes of "The Devil is Bad"

"Dogs" drummer Nathaniel Thatcher provides some early, back-beat poundage

From there, the set moved quickly to staple favorites, being a cover versions of Larry Norman's "Outlaw" and Crowder's "Undignified." 


 Along with the excellent praise and worship, their original songs resonated especially well outdoors, with the edgy harmonies of the Thatcher brothers and the reverberated guitar riffs of newcomer Charlie Hale. Hale's playing draws to mind Mark Knopfler's sound on the Bob Dylan Gospel album "Slow Train Coming," with his stratocaster copy singing well for him during the instrumental interludes. This was the case during their more kickin' tunes - like their driving cover of "Spirit in the Sky" - but it also rang true during more mellow approaches, as in their thoughtful original song "Love Me." 

Charlie "Knopfler" Hale and Steve Thatcher

All the way through to their final song (a jarring rendition of Third Day's "Gone") the Sondogs showed once again both their straight ahead, yet reflective approaches to Gospel rock. Word has it people can look forward to them playing some more upcoming concerts, including an appearance at "Spirit Mid-West" on August 5-6 in West Des Moines (Go here for information on this). The Son Dogs website can be found right here.

Reborn's facebook page can be accessed right here.

Special thanks to... Reborn's Andy Rich, Kara Rich, Amanda Schroeder, and Amanda Coker - along with Sondogs' Robert Thatcher, John Thatcher, Steve Thatcher, Nathaniel Thatcher, Charlie Hale, and Ian Richardson for a great afternoon of music.      

Your Friend, 

-Eric H

A section of "spud-age" rockin' to Reborn and Son Dogs