Thrice-Vol 3 & 4 of the Alchemy Index

Thrice is the Fugazi of our generation.

A band that is so distinct and so different from the rest of the music world that there is little one can do to describe them with out saying, "here...just listen."

Stepping further away from the main stream, Thrice released four separate EPs each dealing with a different element, and each trying to capture a specific feeling. The second release deals with Earth and Air.

Earth is my favorite of the two, but it is a far cry from the post hard core album Artist in the Ambulance, which catapulted Thrice into the public eye. On this Ep only one track (Come all you Weary) features a full drum kit. The rest of the EP is composed of rickety acoustic instruments. There is a folky feel to the album, but Teppei's always interesting guitar work keep it layered and complex. The lyrics on Earth definitely evoke comparisons to the solo work that Kensrue recently put out, but when the band comes in on the songs, you know its a Thrice production, with all the odd beats and delightful structuring that comes with it.

Air on the other hand is almost another take at Vheissu in some ways. The band comes together to form some very delicate and complex hooks, while still focusing on Kensrue's always interesting lyrics. Of all the EPs this one reaches its theme best, as most of the songs have a nice light feel. The first three tracks really impressed me, but the rest of the EP was a little sparse. I think that of all four EPs this one will appeal most to the more recent fans, especially those who loved "Red Sky" and "Of Dust and Nations."

Moral of the story is go buy this one if you are any kind of fan.

Moving Mountains.mp3-off Earth

Broken Lungs.mp3 -off Air

New Thrice

Review and tracks in the morning.

<3

Greeley Estates-"Go West Young Man, Let The Evil Go East"

The often troubled band Greeley Estates will put their new album out on May 6th.

The band has been on constant tour for the last few years and has made several appearances on the warped tour. But they have yet to crack the main stream music world despite having a deep cult fallowing and some name recognition. I think this underground status will shift somewhat with the release of "Go West Young Man, Let the Evil Go East."

Their sound on this album has progressed past simple guitar hooks and falsetto screams into a more dirty almost chemical feel. The band now represents something closer to the Used rather then to their original screemo brothers My American Heart. It is an interesting take, and while certainly not the predominate style of American youths it is sure to have a fallowing, especially if the right groups get a hold of it.

But the album does not have a catchy single. The songs all have great potential but the lack strong choruses will hurt them in the long run. To make it big in todays music industry I really believe you need a catchy phrase or hook, and while Estates is a talented band, they do not have that anywhere on this album.

Despite this they are ready to play yet another stent on the Warped Tour and hopefully make it big this summer. Catch them when it comes to your town.

Blue Morning.mp3

Stream most of the album at their myspace