Thrice

Vheissu

Island Records

Calling Thrice’s new record one of the most anticipated albums of the year would be a total understatement. After rumors that the new material sounded like Radiohead and that one of the producers didn’t even want his name associated with the project, expectations dropped and disappointment abounded. But Thrice’s release of the first single from Vheissu, “Image of the Invisible,” completely restored all faith in the band. A straight up rock anthem in traditional Thrice style, “Image of the Invisible” is the kind of song that makes the listener feel invincible. Too bad it’s one of only a few tracks on Vheissu that resembles the Thrice of old–“Hold Fast Hope” being one of the others.

Conspicuously (and intentionally, according to a recent interview) missing from Vheissu is the sick guitar work and thick rock/post-hardcore sound that permeated Thrice’s three previous albums. Fortunately, the California quartet is talented enough to reinvent the wheel and still put out a stellar record that won’t alienate existing fans.

This time around, keyboards and electronic bells and whistles permeate many of the songs, adding more texture to Thrice’s work and providing an interesting contrast to the harder parts that the band is best known for. Standing out in particular is the slower “Atlantic,” a rich, beautiful track that highlights Thrice’s versatility as songwriters and focuses on frontman Dustin Kensrue’s vocal ability. Also of note, in addition to “Image of the Invisible,” is “Music Box,” which starts off with, what else, the tune from a real music box.

With Vheissu, Thrice has achieved what few bands are capable of: evolving as a band, creating a different sound and still producing a record just as amazing as its prior critically-praised albums. Vheissu is anything but a disappointment. Thrice proves that change is good.

Leah Weinberg

Related Links:
Thrice Interview
Thrice Photos
Official Website