I’m not usually one to post negative comments on socials. I’m far more apt to hype bands up on socials and share them with friends, even if I have some negative or critical things to say on my published reviews. But coming off of Desert Dreaming, I just didn’t feel like I could hold it in anymore. If anyone wants to go listen to Desert and count the number of times Dustin slides up to his notes all throughout that album, you might understand why I think this is an actual problem worth addressing directly to him.
Love Desert Dreaming, love Stumbling West. I see no issue with his vocals. The dude has his vocal fingerprint that will continue to change and evolve, and I'm here for it. Gnash is fucking killer. I joined Alliance a few weeks ago knowing there'd be an Alliance exclusive vinyl variant that I wanted... but ended going with one of the regular deluxes anyway. BRING ON OCTOBER.
Calling an artist’s choice that you personally dislike a “problem” that needs to be addressed is kinda wild. If you are a music critic with an outlet to post your criticism, have at it. Criticism that is fully explained and explored is a valid way to engage with the art and with the artists. But shitposting in a comment on instagram just makes you another one of the entitled fans who constantly post asking for a return to the AITA sound or whatever. You don’t get to insulate yourself from that truth by claiming you are a music critic. Unless we are going to just completely strip that label of any meaning. But let’s just call a spade a spade, you know.
I will say, at the very least, I agree with you that my claims to being a “music critic” do not give me any special permissions to speak to artists differently or behave differently on social media. I appreciate that pushback.
That’s a reasonable response and good enough for me. I’ll go back to thinking of how I’m going to explain to my wife why three copies of the same vinyl arrived.
I think this might be their most interesting song since To Be Everywhere if I'm being completely honest. Very weird, very aggro, very cool
Dead Wake, Northern Lights, Robot Soft, Blood on Blood are all pretty interesting even if your mileage may vary. Gnash is both interesting, and better, than at least a couple of those songs.
I agree with your assessment of his delivery. And I don't give a S about what you said to him on social media lol.
this is the moment you stuck your head up your own asshole and screamed “I’m so important!” And we are all judging you, you entitled self important weirdo.
In all seriousness, if Thrice released an album with zero screaming on it, would you blame a fan for wanting to tell the band that they wished the next album had screaming on it?
I find it weird to criticize an artist about artistic choices to their face at all, but doing so framed as "they NEED to hear my opinion because it will make their music better for everyone! I'm just doing them a favor!" is absolutely bizarre as hell. If an artist I like does something I don't, I simply don't comment something negative on their social media. Or just say congrats on the release and move on.
In all seriousness, literally, yes. Especially with this band. The band's response, and obvious frustration, to the (IMO) rudeness of people screaming "play Deadbolt" at them over the years seems like a good analog to this hypothetical. Are there ways to discuss "wanting a heavier Thrice record" that I would find less rude and possibly constructive (even if I disagreed with it because I think their last record is one of their absolute best)? Of course! Do I think screaming "play Deadbolt" during any other incredible song they play live a healthy or constructive way to do this? Not even a little.
I agree. It's stylistically correct in that genre. And I personally don't mind mixing that with his normal bluesy "clean vocal" technique. To each their own though I guess.
would we be having this conversation if it was another band? I get where everyone is coming from, but chase is obviously not the worst example of a fan voicing their opinion on social media imo
I'm not a huge fan of Dustin's current vocal style, but also he can do whatever he wants. Maybe it's easier on his vocal cords.
i mean, I have ALSO done things like saying congrats on their release and leaving purely positive comments on other posts Thrice has been making recently. It’s not like I’m bombarding their socials with negativity or only ever voicing critiques. I spent this morning sharing “Gnash” in multiple group messages and getting people hyped about it. I’m only in here discussing my critique of Dustin’s recent vocal trends because someone here tagged me about it