For wall frames in this case (sand-filled block, air/insulation, frame with drywall) the frames should be either free-standing or at least spaced from the block wall with neoprene isolated sway brackets. The idea is to keep vibrations from one mass from affecting the OTHER mass, this improves isolation a LOT.
For the front of a CR - if you are NOT doing 5.1 surround (or 6.1, etc) then it's arguably better to use solid panels where the speakers sit; one thing that works well is to leave holes in these panels near the floor and ceiling, so the rockwool behind can be a ported bass trap. Soffits themselves are a big project to get right, there are links to Genelec's site for some help on this.
If you ARE planning on surround work, then typically ALL wall surfaces would be made absorptive and any needed ambience added back into the mix with digital reverb.
http://www.grammy.com/pe_wing/5_1_Rec.pdf
Hope this helps... Steve