Just another laid back student spending too much time on the Internet!!
Just another laid back student spending too much time on the Internet!!
Member since:01.04.2005
Reviews:29
Members who trust:12
Be it 'hardcore', 'emo', 'hard rock' or just 'music, Thrice have the gift of written melodies and harmonies in any style. This serving, their second album, shows how heavy music (but not scream-incuded I should re-iterate) should be done.
The opening track 'Cold Cash & Colder Hearts' jumps right into the thick of things, and after just thirty seconds or so you can see there is melody involved with these guys, and not just low-tuned power chords. 'Feeling alright here on top of the world' would almost be described as an oxymoron considering the music style, but lyrics like this occur quite often during the album, focusing on the more optimistic side of life, fighting through adversity.
'Under a Killing Moon' was one of the first tracks I heard from the band, and sounds better live in my opinion (having seen them at Reading Festival in 2004 - what a performance). But here the style of old school metal riffs and emo harmonies join perfectly and helps define the bands sound.
'All
That's Left' has zooming guitars, (yes, that's the sound it almost sounds like!) and is a 'grower' of a track. The drums seem more prominent here, possibly because of the drum intro, but the vocal strength of Dustin Kensrue also come to light here. It's all well and good screaming, but screaming and harmonising in key is a different matter, that is achieved here.
'Silhouette' is a personal favourite of mine. Sort of a sing-a-long track actually; 'Your eyes followed me here', basically because of the sung verses, screaming pre-choruses and harmonic chorus - perfect structure for this genre.
'Stare At The Sun' is, as I've mentioned with many of my music reviews, is probably the song you've heard by Thrice if you don't actually think you've heard anything by them, by flicking through the music channels for example. It's arguably the most radio-friendly song off the album, and although it is strong, tracks like 'Silhouette', 'Under A Killing Moon' or 'Artist In The Ambulance' are better tracks if you want to discover more on the band. But let me point out, the bridge on this track is one of the best I've heard in god knows long! And because of it's radio-friendly status, it's certainly the kind of song us guitarists/vocalists out there want to play!
'Paper Tigers' is one of the most hardcore tracks (is that grammatically presice?!) on the album, and not immediately for the faint hearted. Like with 'SATS', this isn't the best song to get into Thrice, for opposite reason this time around - there is less melody here produced by the main vocals, but backing vocals do help enhance the track.
'Hoods On Peregrine' is a prime-example of a good drum-intro, fast and bassy. It's a track that goes relatively unnoticed on first, and probably second hearing, and is a perfectly good example of 'hardcore' music, although there are better examples to be found on this album.
'The Melting Point of Wax' does slightly into punk to begin with, but restores the die-hard Thrice fan's faith shortly afterwards. Personally, I think this is a weak link, but only because of the high standard of the majority of other tracks - however the choruses harmony will grow on you.
'Blood Clots & Black Holes' - the intro is an excellent example of low-tuning guitar riffs, well the whole song is really - a perfect cover for bands who want to do something along these lines. This, along with the past couple of songs has avoided the screaming side of things, and acts as proof that hardcore music doesn't have to make your ears bleed, anything but that in fact.
'Artist In The Ambulance' is the title track, and my favourite off the album. The intro is music to my ears; 'Late night, breaks lock, make the tyres squeel' on top of muted power chords sounds almost perfect. The vocals are spot on throughout. If you've never heard a Thrice song, but just read this review - listen to 'AITA' - excellent music.
'The Abolition Of Man' has the drumming style that I can understand why some faint-hearted people can receive headaches from it. But again, the vocal harmonies are as near to spot on as possible, just not the kind of song for the tradionalist.
'Don't Tell And We Won't Ask' finishes the album off just right. The previous track 'TAOM' would have finished it too abruptly, but this one showcases all Thrice's styles and literally helps define the album. Obviously being the last track it's not as strong as a couple of the others, but it's certainly not 'filler material'.
I picked my copy of the album up for £10.99 off Amazon, which is a reasonable price, considering their success in the underground scene and so forth. And as mentioned to being with, their live show is excellent so try and catch them one day!
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great review of thrice. i prefer illusion of safety but great review all the same! kind regards, alvy
kalimero 05.04.2005 23:11
I have enjoyed this album a lot of times.I like it very much.I like too the screaming voice and melodic of the singer.My favourites:the first one and "all that,s left".I hope the third album soon.Good band & great review.
fizzingwhizbee0 05.04.2005 21:48
Good review - not realy my thing though and i've never heard of them... <:3)~~~
Cold Cash And Colder Hearts Under A Killing Moon All That's Left (Key Track) Silhouette ... more
Stare At The Sun Paper Tigers Hoods On Peregrines The Melting Point Of Wax Blood Clots And Black Holes The Artist In The Ambulance The Abolition Of Man Don't Tell A...
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Apr 5th, 2005
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