Thrice - The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV

[Ben Lesser]

This second part of Thrice's ambitious 4 element-themed discs spread out over two releases (Vols I & II, Vols III & IV) just came out today, although the band has been streaming it on their myspace since a few days ago.

Anyone have some thoughts on it?

Personally, I am particularly impressed with the entire effort, but these two discs are top notch. Earth in particular is a well-constructed CD with 6 good, folken/earthen songs, including their single "Come All Ye Weary" which is excellent. The Air disc is equally good. A lot of awesome songs on it like "Broken Lungs" and "Daedalus."

Overall, I'd put these two discs over the other two, but Fire and Water are also excellent.

http://www.myspace.com/thrice

All of Air and Earth are still up there (first 6 tracks are Air, second 6 are Earth, and the rest are from the others).

One thing I thoroughly enjoy about the 4 discs is the way the closing song on each one all share the same melody (The Flame Deluge, Kings on the Main, Silver Wings, Child of Dust). It's very cool and gives the whole thing a very cohesive feel.

Anyway, feel free to share your thoughts and opinions, etc.

Their bassist Eddie has always been a very solid player. He finds good lines and supports the song very well.

[worker201]

I really love "Artist in the Ambulance", but I didn't think "Vheissu" was all that great. So I've been reluctant to purchase any of the Alchemy Index discs. How would you describe them to a fan like myself?

[Ben Lesser]

If you're interested, it's definitely worth a look on their myspace page, just because it's free right now and you can decide whether or not you like it. It's definitely far away from the sound they had going on TAITA, but it's not much like Vheissu either. But it's closer to Vheissu than TAITA, imo.

Just out of curiosity, what was it about Vheissu that you didn't like?

[worker201]

Well, I could make up a bunch of crap about over-production and the power of youthful naivete, but the truth is that the first songs I heard by them are "Under a Killing Moon" and "Hoods on Peregrine", and as everyone knows, after the first album you hear, nothing else is ever quite as good. I'm ashamed, truly, to admit this. I will go to their myspace and check the newer stuff out.

[FrigginChris]

i've been a huge thrice fan since the illusion of safety. they just get better and better with each album

some favorite songs off vols III and IV are "the sky is falling" "come all you weary" but i have to say i love "digging my own grave" the most, this song just gives me chills.

[Ben Lesser]

Originally Posted by worker201

Well, I could make up a bunch of crap about over-production and the power of youthful naivete, but the truth is that the first songs I heard by them are "Under a Killing Moon" and "Hoods on Peregrine", and as everyone knows, after the first album you hear, nothing else is ever quite as good. I'm ashamed, truly, to admit this. I will go to their myspace and check the newer stuff out.

I've never heard that, actually. But I can understand where you're coming from.

The first album of theirs I ever heard was 'The Illusion of Safety' and I definitely like all of their other albums more than that.

[the_thriller]

I got into Thrice with Vheissu. None of their new stuff is in anyway overproduced. If anything it's all very much DIY as they are doing their own thing. I like Air quite a bit, although I like Fire more than Earth. It's all very excellent, though!!! Everyone should definitely go check it out.

Sky Is Falling is my person pick off of volumes III and IV.

[worker201]

Well, I had a listen to some of all 4 volumes. It's not anything that captured me right away. But I could kinda tell that it might grow on me over time. At $8.99 each direct from Vagrant, might as well give it the opportunity.

[mooney]

all 4 are great. i can't say which i like best. you could take 3 tunes off each and have one of the most solid and versatile record ever.