Thrice - Vheissu

Vheissu, the fourth studio album from Orange County quartet Thrice, is an exciting blend of visceral music and spiritually perceptive lyrics. Thrice’s style has often been compared to a host of emo and post-hardcore bands. While Vheissu does exhibit some of the tendencies of those genres, the album showcases an expansive sonic repertoire and proves the band has discovered a sound that transcends mere labels. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the record is the diversity displayed in arranging and orchestrating each track. Along with producer Steve Osborne (Peter Gabriel, Placebo), the band cleverly and dynamically melds aggressive riffs with moments that are quieter and more introspective. While there are distinctly different sections in many of the songs, each composition retains a holistic feel. “Image of the Invisible” opens the album with earth-shaking intensity as frontman Dustin Kensrue is joined by his bandmates to create a vibrant choir that asserts, “We all were lost, now we are found/No one can stop us or slow us down.” As the album progresses, so does the sound to employ a variety of instruments and textures. Guitarist Teppei Teranishi opens “For Miles” with a haunting piano solo before the song evolves into an anthemic cry for sacrifice on behalf of others. “Like Moths to Flame”, another of the album’s highlights, uses Teranishi’s mix of dense riffs and arpeggiated chords to accentuate the track’s spiritual imagery. “Once again the bread and wine/But it seems the meanings may be deeper still this time,” Kensrue muses before pledging “I will follow you/Lay down my life.” Dabbling in a variety of styles, Thrice has created a musical atmosphere that allows elements of progressive and ambient rock to flourish without forsaking the heavy sound that first gained them attention. Each member of the group contributes excellently to the effort and makes Vheissu one of the more promising and prominent rock releases of the year. [www.thrice.net]