Undoubting Tomas is the brainchild of multi-hyphenate musician/vocalist/producer Thomas McKeown. Known to prog fans as the multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter with 1980’s Chicago-based Christian prog band Damascus, McKeown has also been one half of indie-Americana duo Shadowfields with vocalist Heather Humphrey. Looking to scratch that prog itch once more, McKeown formed Undoubting Thomas in 2019. In The Process Of… is the first release under this moniker.
Exploring themes of faith, suffering and doubt, the album feels both intimately personal and accessibly universal. While spirituality is a major component of the lyrical ideas, it is done so less with blunt force than genuine questioning about humankind’s place in the universe, the meaning of suffering, and the goodness of God in a world where we can feel so alone. Likewise, while the music is filled with enough odd meters and talent-filled widdly bits to satisfy any prog aficionado, the musicianship is a model of restraint and playing in service of the song. The incredibly clear and bright production and distinct stereo imaging ensures that each nuance is heard yet perfectly balanced in the grand scheme of the song.
In time-honoured fashion, the concept begins with an Overture, an exploration of the themes and motifs that are soon to come. Swirling, ominous synths and piano set the mood before the guitar and drums arrive with a bit of a sucker punch. Guitars and keys alternate lead lines and explore the range of sounds each has to offer. The transitions from one disparate section to another are handled deftly, never feeling pieced together. Odd time signatures introduce The Mirror, a song heavy with introspection. Sample lyric:
Oh, am I a lost soul who’s just too blind to see?
The music eloquently reflects the angst and complexity of emotion with its own complexity, yet does so with an easy flow that belies the intricacies on display. Electric piano and cymbal washes lend a disturbing atmosphere to Any Wonder. The song beautifully captures the feeling of hopelessness without falling into the abyss. The layers of sound in the interlude offer a captivating listen, while the engaging vocals pull the listener into the singer’s world as he pleads for a sympathetic ear.
In a just world, the next two songs would be huge hit singles. Love And Life is three minutes of hard-hitting explosions of guitar and bass. A riff-oriented track that relegates the keys to a supporting role, the song is catchy as the flu and offers a prayer for direction and understanding. My Silence continues the guitar-centric approach but with a more theatrical perspective to the music. Rather than point fingers at itself, the lead guitar echoes the strong feelings of the vocal melody. Guest artist Gary Jacklin adds violin and viola for a more authentic orchestral touch.
Choir vocals from Shadowfields cohort Heather Humphrey sweeten the chorus of Save Me. The song is heavily rhythmic, but it is the piano and organ that give the song its power. When McKeown sings “The sun shining down/And there’s love all around me/A hand reaches mine/In this place where I’m dying”, the music opens up to let some light into the otherwise despairing tune. The song masterfully captures the mood of the lyrics and translates them into evocative music. The piano-based introduction of Dark Waters is both simple and engaging. The music builds slowly, live strings and choral vocals adding a nice touch. The craft of songwriting is evident in the way it eschews the slash and burn musicianship of much modern prog in favour of restraint and room to breathe. Shifting time signatures and musical motifs add dimension to this mini epic, filling it with grace and gravitas in equal measure.
Something Beautiful lives up to its name. While the overtly Christian message might be off-putting for some, the song’s take on loneliness and longing will be familiar to everyone. Ghostly synth choirs and percussive elements like shaker and claves are welcome additions to the sound which is otherwise led by acoustic piano. The melody is heartfelt and hopeful, a beautiful complement to the understated arrangement. The nearly fourteen minute closer is Another World. Keyboards lead the charge as alternating bars of 7 and 8 lend the song prog credibility. The music eases as the vocals enter, putting the focus squarely on the words. The song speaks to disillusionment with the ways of the world and “waiting for another world/I’m dreaming of another world/So promise me another world”. The instrumental interlude picks up the pace and allows the guitar and drums to move to the fore, only to cede ground to multiple, layered vocal lines before joining forces for a section greater than the sum of its parts. More prog bliss ensues around the ten minute mark before a short vocal reprise, then finally guitars leading the song to a climax which, rather than go for the grand, opts for a warm embrace.
In The Process Of… is an album that, were it not for TPA, would have gone under my radar. That’s a shame. In a world where “popular” music is largely disposable, paint-by-numbers crap, it’s heartwarming to know that there are still musicians who care enough about their craft to birth small wonders. This is an album that reaches out to your ears and brain, rewarding both with the sort of engagement that is all too rare these days. The subject matter might be a bit heavy, but Undoubting Thomas’ In The Process Of… is one of the minor miracles that make life just a little bit better.
TRACK LISTING
01. Overture (6:08)
02. The Mirror (8:41)
03. Any Wonder (6:40)
04. Love And Life (3:04)
05. My Silence (4:13)
06. Save Me (5:24)
07. Dark Waters (9:03)
08. Something Beautiful (5:57)
09. Another World (13:42)
Total Time – 62:52
MUSICIANS
Thomas McKeown– Lead & Background Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Organ, Synth, Percussion
~ With:
Patrick Culligan – Drums
Heather Humphrey – Choir Vocals
Gary Jacklin – Violin, Viola
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Roxx Records
Country of Origin: USA
Date of Release: 11th July 2025
LINKS
Undoubting Thomas – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube | Instagram
