REVIEW VAULT | Thrice: Vheissu

Due to the fact that this month has been kind of slow with stuff i've wanted to review, I figured I would dig into my CD catalog and review some CD's of the past.
ENJOY!!!
-Jaye


Thrice as a band is an anomoly, a living example of perfect musical evolution that can be studied and observed for years to come. Not for their influence on bands, but for the solid fact, that during the course of their existence have evolved, changed, and progress, the way that progression must be done. As much as I have been flogged, for my theory, that Thrice, in the since of their progression, can be compared to the Beatles. Not in a since of the impact they have on music (considering Thrice's impact of music wont be seen for years to come), or their size, or genre, but in the since that they have changed over time, accordingly.

Thrice's most recent record Vheissu is the documentation of the band's evolution into New Age sounds. Literally a progression, Vheissu is the departure from the metal-esque sounds of The Illusion of Safety the hooky Artist in the Ambulance and a complete put-to-rest of the punk/hardcore sound of Identity Crisis.
Vheissu sounds more like Radio Head, meets Isis on some kind of Caffeine buzz, with a twist of C.S. Lewis tang. Lyrically, vocalist Dustin Kensrue showcases his growth into faith, outlining MANY biblical references that take steps towards the maturity of his writing, putting into place, that Kensrue is one of the best writers in our generation, plain and simple. His metaphors, and alliterations can be seen in the most complex views, but still come across as tasteful, and not overdone.

Musically, Vheissu is beautiful, and is a showcase of many of Thrice's impressive aspects. Heavier and noiser songs like "Hold Fast Hope" sound like Vheissu and less like The Illusion of Safety, and catchier songs like "Image of the Invisible" relate more to this record than Artist in the Ambulance. All the songs, though in different time signatures, and often in different tunings, fit perfectly together, as if created JUST for this record. Bottom line, one of the most consistent records one will hear in a long time.

This record is a defining record in Thrice's long lasting career, and will be talked about as the turning point in this band, however, I do think as their span continues to impress us, and as surprsing as this may sound, we have yet to see, or hear the best from Thrice

FINAL GRADE: A+
(does that really surprise you haha?)