Comments
This cd is pretty freaking sweet
Thrice
The Alchemy Index, Vols. I & II
When word got out that this band was going after the ambitious goal of releasing 4 EPs at once, a collective gasp of unbelief was probably uttered across the modern rock world. Splitting up their multiple personalities (I never figured them to be this schizophrenic) four ways, but releasing them in two parts gives the band’s growing fanbase something to look forward to. At first glance, the Fire EP (Vol. I) seems to be the heavier, screaming and jamming side. At times you can feel the frantic post hardcore band that’s been hinted at on Vheissu (like the fast chorus of “Image of the Invisible”), and they can flip the rock switch harder, with songs that could easily fit on any Project 86 album (like “Backdraft” or “The Arsonist”). They smooth things out with some slow anthemic guitars and vocals in “Burn The Fleet” and bring in some trippy piano for “The Flame Deluge” before confidently getting more ambient with the seventh track, “Digital Sea,” which begins the Water EP (Vol. II). Imagine if Unwed Sailor covered Radiohead with whispery Bono-esque vocals and you get some idea of the wonder of “Open Water” or the wandering sounds of “Lost Continent.” Not sure if I hear any obvious singles, but I know I have a full-length companion for many an attentive headphone listening experience. Ya gotta admire Thrice for trying this ... and love ‘em for succeeding. [Vagrant] Doug Van Pelt
This album review was originally published in the November/December Issue (#128) of HM Magazine. Order the Print Version to read tons more reviews. You can order the Print Version of this issue online or find this issue on newsstands. You can NOW read this entire feature in the online edition of HM Magazine. If you're a subscriber, you get a free online/digital subscription with your print subscription. You can purchase a single online/digital edition (which includes access to back issues) for only $1.99. A one-year digital-only subscription can be had for only $6.
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