Formed as an unexpected side endeavor, The Thorns brought together Matthew Sweet, Pete Droge, and Shawn Mullins, each already established as an independent singer/songwriter. Adjusting to collective band dynamics therefore required adjustment, yet their overlapping affinities for the Beach Boys, Joni Mitchell, Gram Parsons, and Simon & Garfunkel hinted that the combination could succeed even without prior joint experience. Throughout summer 2002 the three composed new songs, and by autumn the material had coalesced sufficiently for tracking sessions at an Atlanta facility alongside longtime collaborator Brendan O'Brien. Layered vocal harmonies and multiple guitars commanded the foreground while Jim Keltner anchored the rhythm section. Sony issued the self-titled album in May 2003, where it was promptly celebrated for reviving the bright, vocal-centric approach associated with CSN and Fleetwood Mac. An acoustic promotional trek ensued, interspersed with shows alongside the Jayhawks, before the group mounted its own club itinerary that extended into late autumn and included several arena dates supporting John Mayer.
