Thrice – “The Alchemy Index” review

Thrice – “The Alchemy Index: Vols. I+II Fire and Water”
(Vagrant Records)

Thrice always seemed like one of those bands that I should like. They had elements of Refused and Snapcase in their early stuff, and they’re pretty melodic at times. However, they’ve never really grabbed my attention. Now, the idea of making two double-album releases (of which this is the first), with each release containing a disc dedicated to two of the four elements of nature seemed pretty interesting – pretty self-interested and self-important, as well, come to think of it.

For whatever reason, Yes and Rush seem to have influenced today’s crop of bands more than they’re willing to admit. Coheed & Cambria, Thrice, and Armor For Sleep all seem to have taken this attitude that sprawling, lightly proggy concept albums seem to be the cool thing to do – and that’s what this is. It’s not bad, but it certainly could have been cut down to one disc without too much trouble (literally, as both albums are just slightly above the half hour mark). The tracks sprawl, and there’s a strong amount of noodling that just weakens a band that had once been a strong contender to convince me that emo-core didn’t suck.

Digital Sea