Home > Music > CD Review > Thrice, 'The Alchemy Index, Vols. III & IV'

Thrice, 'The Alchemy Index, Vols. III & IV'

Ex-screamo kids continue their elemental concept album project

By Kirk Miller

Metromix
April 14, 2008

Critic's Rating:

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Backstory: This progressive Irvine, Calif., four-piece has made its mark on the punk community by, well, actually following their convictions (how punk!). “Alchemy Index Vols. III and IV” is the continuation of a four-part suite divided over two double CDs; musically and lyrically, each album reflects its element moniker. According to singer Dustin Kensrue, “Air” is supposed to be the band’s most diverse and fragile work, while “Earth” is stripped down roots music.
 
Why you should care: Although “Vols. III and IV” lack the punch of Thrice’s early, screamo-y work, there’s a lot of subtlety and diversity at work here. While the world doesn’t necessarily need another 9/11 lament (“Broken Lungs”), most of Kensrue’s philosophical musings hit the mark, and the band’s newfound Radiohead-meets-Americana vibe makes for good headphone music. Plus, “Come All You Weary” could be a great long-lost Pink Floyd track.
 
Verdict: Artistically without compromise, beautiful in passages and a welcome addition to the band’s canon. That said, we—along with the band’s hardcore fan base—are looking forward to the group maybe rockin’ out a little more next time.
 
X-Factor: What Warped Tour fan doesn’t love sonnets? There are two on “Alchemy” (“Child of Dust” and “Silver Wings”), each of which follows the poetic form’s strict 14-line rhyme pattern.