Media Review

Thrice

The Artist In The Ambulance (CD)

Island
website | mySpace | pureVolume

Overall Rating:

9.0

Music Quality: 9.0

Production: 10.0

Originality: 7.0

However anticipated, predictable, and hyped the new Thrice record was, even I, an avid fan, was able to discover an amazing record. Sure enough, Island's major-label production and the band's ever-growing talent and knack for huge metal riffs and hardcore meets pop vocal influences made a killer disc. Dustin's interview in Alternative Press awhile back that stated that the new songs were going to be more organized somewhat scared me, but now my fears are abolished. The songs, while cleaner and definitely more organized, are still brutal, amazing, and while radio friendly gems like All That's Left and Stare At The Sun avoid the breakdown insanity Thrice is accustomed to, they're still brilliant.

And when one says "more organized," don't expect simplicity, as the usual barrage of riffs is fluent throughout the disc. The most noticeable difference Thrice has gained between the two records is the vast difference in speed. Lots of slower, heavier breakdowns, but songs like Paper Tigers, with its soaring backing vocals and straight-up hardcore approach, still amaze me.

If it weren't enough, Island's enormous change in funds made the record look insanely beautiful. The liners, to say the least, are stunning; separate cardboard sheets that slide into a cut-out cover for each song, with notes from each member of the band detailing the processes behind each song.

Honestly, even if all the hype and excitement most have been getting for Thrice wasn't there, I would love this record. Amazing songwriting, compelling guitar work, and an overall insane record. This is what happens when a great band gets picked up by a huge label and takes advantage of it, without breaking the borders defining their style.

reviewed by Andrew Martin