for those of you without download codes that want to listen legally the band just posted the full album on youtube.
Not sure I love this album. It's not very dynamic, I agree with whoever said it was exhausting. I think it'll grow on me, I need to give it some time before completely ruling it out. Beggars is my favorite Thrice album and I don't understand the comparisons to that album at all.
few thoughts. Ed and Riley sounds like they are dancing around each other (Wake Up). Love it. I love Dustin singing in different octaves. (Shouting first verse, softly singing second verse in Hurricane) These songs are going to sound great live. I love the sludgy chords played in sync with the bass. Black Honey sticks out in a weird way for me. Stay With Me has some amazing melodies and and really tasteful bass/guitar lead work. The piano at the end with the reverse reverb...fuck.
Just finished my first listen. As others have mentioned, it's a somewhat exhausting record. It feels like M/M with more "energy" to me, like an album full of Yellow Belly's. I also am somewhat disturbed reading band members giving conflicting accounts of how much they enjoyed recording this album, and how each had a different idea of what direction they wanted to go in. It lacks cohesiveness as you listen to it, and I believe that's because the band was not unified, or physically together, while recording it. The album will definitely grow on me, and I enjoy and appreciate the fact that Thrice is still making music, but overall the album feels safe. Certain aspects of it appear haphazardly put together too, such as Stay With Me and the fact that the most interesting riff on the record, Seneca, is just a one minute interlude. That being said, it's still Thrice, and Dustin's voice is better than ever. Maybe this is the album he wanted and the rest of the band was simply just happy to being playing music together again. I'm sure my thoughts will evolve in the days to come though.
This album is so damn good. Highlights for me on first couple listens: Hurricane (OMG WOW), The Long Defeat, Stay With Me, Salt and Shadow. Also I think The Window may actually be the catchiest song on this album and I love it so much.
Wake Up is awesome. I don't dislike a single thing on here honestly. Early favorites: Hurricane (that damn chorus!), Death from Above, Whisteblower, Salt and Shadow
The only song I'm not totally sold on yet is Wake Up. I love the chorus riff but feel the vocals/lyrics detract from the song a bit. I'm sure it'll grow on me though.
Good Lord. This album. Finished playthrough 1x. Work calls in 6 hours, don't care. Playthrough 2x, here I come.
The Window and Stay With Me are the "meh" tracks a few listens in, IMO. Everything else is good or great or perfect.
The way this album opens and closes. Wow. Just wow. Thrice is such a fantastic band, I'm glad they're back in such a good shape.
Finally listening via the pre-order voucher. Some initial thoughts... Hurricane // Such a welcome slow-burning groove to open the album; contends for favorite chorus on the album Blood on the Sand // Thematically, I enjoy this song, but it feels under-developed, musically and lyrically The Window // This eerie melody is a good fit for the band; I keep expecting the chorus to explode a little more, but the outro harmonies more than compensate Wake Up // Like "Blood on the Sand," the musical structure doesn't feel fully refined; additionally, I can't help but feel that repeating a chorus line three times is a lazy move from Dustin The Long Defeat // From the opening riff, this song demonstrates a terrifically muscular beauty; as a Tolkien fan, I anticipate connecting with these lyrics most when read in full Seneca // A pragmatic split to the record; as many have said, I would love to hear this expanded into a more contemplative, complete song Black Honey // In terms of atmosphere, this song delivers; lyrics are conceptually strong but lack a degree of eloquence that Dustin usually excels in capturing Stay with Me // An excellent balance of balladry with the signature Thrice pulse; vibe suggests a sister song to "Anthology" Death from Above // The soft-loud dynamic works well here; the final line of the chorus hits hard Whistleblower // Love the groove of this track Salt and Shadow // From the first notes, this stands out as unique in all of Thrice's work; absolutely adore the experimentation and lyrical direction, from what I can discern; outro recalls Copeland in the best way ("The Last Time He Saw Dorie") Regrettably, on first listen, only Dustin's vocals and Riley's drumming really leap out at me. While their performances are stellar, I don't notice Teppei and Ed as much as I would like. That said, most of these songs should translate incredibly well live. Of course, many more listens are needed to determine this album's place in the band's discography. Plus, I gravitate towards lyrics more than melody, typically, so that layer awaits evaluation when the record actually arrives. So thankful to these guys for making music again.
The record feels a bit rushed to me, like each song is trying to hard to get to the next one, it could have benefited from some space between the songs whether they means more outros like the long defeat or a longer interlude track I'm not sure.. I do enjoy it a ton though
Just finished my first full listen, and I think it's up there with Beggars and Vheissu for me. The production is stellar, and Dustin sounds amazing.
That's the song where it really hit me just how far he's come since the beginning of the band. His voice is so powerful and versatile now, it's incredible.
This. And it's odd because they had so much time to ponder and contemplate this record with the hiatus and all. The fact they're already talking about the next record and writing for is also noteworthy. An expanded version of Seneca would have really helped the pacing. The standout track for me is The Window. I believe I'm in the minority. Salt and Shadow is beautiful, but doesn't give the release Beggars does at its end.