September 21, 2008 by abrammajor
Thrice has continually reinvented themselves by adding new experimental elements to their music. Ever since their album Vheissu debuted they have in many ways broke away from there “post hardcore” roots. Their lyrics have incredibly thought provoking connotations, and portray the writer’s Christian faith in new and interesting ways.
Thrice’s “Alchemy Index” is probably one of the most brilliant pieces of musical work that I have heard in a long time. Their careful consideration of every aspect of the albums makes this “Index” incredibly descriptive. Each CD’s music gives an unbelievably varied portrait of the fitting element, an uncontrollable and consuming fire, a deep and sorrowful sea, insubstantial yet unpredictable wind, and the crude and mournful earth. One of my favorite aspects of the “Alchemy Index” is that the last song of each section is told from the point of view of the “element,” and ends with the same vocal and chord progression. This gives the entire ‘Index” a feeling of unity and completeness.
In case there are still people out there who still don’t feel comfortable about listening to “hardcore/screamo music,” let me say this, Thrice never screams just to be cool. If possible Thrice uses screaming for its intended purpose. The last song of the Fire album entitled “The Flame Deluge” is almost entirely screamed; in it the speaker “Fire” expresses its horror at its fate in hands of men:
“I feel that I was meant for something more
My curse, this awful power to unmake
And ever since you found your taste for war
You forced me onto those whose life you’d take”
In my opinion it would be hard to sing those lyrics and portray the necessary emotions behind the song.
Listening to Thrice will definitely surprise you with the bands constantly changing genre and lyrical depth, it may even remove your prejudice and preconceptions about music like it did for me.
