Thrice - “Horizons/ East” Album Review
Post-hardcore band Thrice released their eleventh studio album, “Horizons/ East,” an album that has done well with critics, but may not receive the same reactions from some audiences.
Thrice began their journey in 1998 in Irvine, California with founding members Dustin Kensrue and Teppei Teranishi. The current lineup consists of Kensrue (vocals), Teranishi (lead guitar), Eddie Breckenridge (bass) and Riley Breckenridge (drums).
The band made their debut with the albums “Identity Crisis (2001)” and “The Illusion of Safety (2002).” Their sound has developed significantly over the years with their first few albums portraying one that is hard, gritty and raw.
This changed in 2005 with the release of “Vheissu,” with more use of electronics and keyboards. Listeners will notice that over time the band has expanded into more experimental and drawn-out music.
This is accurate with “Horizons/ East,” an LP that completely contrasts with past things they’ve done like “The Artist in the Ambulance.”
Kensrue’s vocals in this most recent record aren’t as spectacular, giving off a feel like other modern day “alt-rock” bands like Coldplay or Imagine Dragons.
However his vocals may be, this certainly isn’t a boring album, with something for every Thrice fan.
The first few tracks, “The Color of the Sky,” “Scavengers” and “Buried in the Sun” are more for those who want something that is more poppy and extravagant.
Songs like “Still Life” and “The Dreamer” are harder, more abrasive and pertain more to that past post-hardcore sound from their earlier works that long-time fans will recognize.
“Robot Soft Exorcism” is a perfect example of the band’s turn into something that is more electronic, expressive and experimental.
If there’s one thing that this band has done right over their long career it is songwriting, an already difficult and tumultuous process. Themes such as interrelatedness, the connection between life, individual experience and unity take their place in many of the songs of this LP.
The last song, “Unitive/ East” will take people's ears down an enthralling and mesmerizing journey with its collective sound of vibrations and smashing piano keys.
One thing is for certain in this latest project of theirs, that this album is very well-structured, and it seems like they put a lot of effort into developing a sound and atmosphere that newcomers and old might like.
Overall, listeners will find “Horizons/ East” to be an interesting project. Is it their best album so far? Probably not.
Rating: 6/10
Reviewer’s Favorite Song: “Still Life”
Reviewer’s Least Favorite Songs: “The Color of the Sky” and “Scavengers”
Jon Mead is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jkm6040@psu.edu.
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