Thrice Hits Electric Factory in Support of The Alchemy Index

The idea of the concept album is not new, and not always very well done. However, we think the strength of Thrice's latest release lies in its simplicity.

The first disc, Vol I: Fire opens with "Firebreather" and ends with "The Flame Deluge." There is no intricate plot line or narrative arc, just a lot of heat and burning and flames and, well, you get the point.

But don't get us wrong: Thrice knows what they're doing, and they do it well. They have mastered their brand of abrasive, meant-be-turned-up-all-the-way melody and lyricist Dustin Kensrue's penchant for literate and insightful song-smithing seals the deal yet again on Index. Track 5, "Burn the Fleet," is a good example of Thrice at their best.

Vol II: Water is a departure from the harder sound Thrice is known for and is more reminiscent of some of Radiohead's more somber stuff. Aside from the fact that you can understand what is being sung, the first track sounds like a really good b-side from Radiohead's Kid A.

Water's standout track, "Night Diving," is an instrumental piece similar to much of Hopesfall's The Satellite Years. This disc is not your typical Thrice offering, and it signals a welcome expansion of their sensibilities into a more accessible arena.

Fans of the group's rougher tendencies may deride this effort as a sell-out, but they would be narrow-minded and wrong. Thrice may be growing up, but they're not abandoning intensity that got them where they are today.

And just where would that be, you ask? Well, they're right here in Philly.

Thrice, with Brand New and mewithoutyou
The Electric Factory (421 N. 7TH Street)
Fri (tonight), 12/07/2007, 7:30 PM
Sorry, this show appears to be sold out.

Image credit: Flickr user brian boulos.