2008 Woodie Awards
Alchemy Index masterful
Ryan Boulding
Issue date: 4/22/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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With the release of the epic second half of its nature-themed album, The Alchemy Index, Thrice has clearly established itself in the upper echelons of musical talent. Gone are the punk-based power chords, and perhaps the Thrice that many of us have come to love.
Do not get me wrong, I am just as big a fan of "Deadbolt," "The Red Death" and "Artist in the Ambulance" as the next guy, but Thrice has evolved. It has gone on to tackle creative genius and come out the other side forever changed.
Independently recorded and produced by the band itself, The Alchemy Index Vols. III (Air) and IV (Earth) are the ultimate companions to the previous two volumes. The Air disc starts off with the ethereal "Broken Lungs," which hints at the excellence to come.
The real flavor of this disc can be found in "The Sky is Falling," "Daedalus" and even "A Song for Milly Michaelson."
"The Sky is Falling" features the floating lyrics of singer Dustin Kensrue at the top of his game. Although the song does not employ any spectacularly technical instruments, it does showcase a range that I never thought this band was capable of.
"Daedalus" will no doubt remind fans of "The Melting Point of Wax." Both songs take listeners through different aspects of the Greek myth of young Icarus and father Daedalus. While "Melting Point" is a more upbeat and youthful perspective to the tragedy, "Daedalus" is a fatherly journey through the escape from the island and the unheeded warning about the fragile wings. It is an exploration of life and humanity.
"Milly" turns out to be a rhythmic, airy melody that floats along and invites you into a beautiful and reflective trance.
The Earth disc opens with the rustic "Moving Mountains," a song exploring Godly power and all-knowingness while still not acquainted with love. Immediately followed by the jazzy-blues-ballad "Digging My Own Grave," about the frailty of life and the immutability of man.
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