Thrice - Illusion of Safety

If there's a way to write new rock/punk while steering clear of all the SOS*, Thrice will pioneer it for sure. Finch claims to be the "Perfect mix of pop-punk and hard rock". I argue that Thrice's "Illusion of Safety" is what Finch was going for. I wouldn't go as far to call the style original, but the songs are for sure. Combine the right amount of hooks, changeups, and fancy song-writing, and you come out with a very solid album. There are so many things I love about Thrice. Most rock albums have a tendency to trail off near the end, becoming more mellow and less interesting. Thrice steered clear of that, placing some choice and energized tracks toward the end. "Where Idols Once Stood" (track 9) and "To Awake And Avenge The Dead" (track 11) are two of the strongest tunes in my opinion. An album that ends strong, is strong. It makes you want to just start it over again, and you will. "Illusion of Safety" was produced by fancy-pants Brian McTernan of Cave In fame. Needless to say, it's well mixed and damn powerful, yet doesn't over compress itself and remains nice and live. Slips here and there by the guitar players, singer, and drummer only add a rawness to the album that sends me back to the days of Weezer's Pinkerton - an album that can take credit for being so raw. These flaws only strengthen the album, and keep reminding you that you're listening to humans. Harmonies are common, the lead guitar player is as smooth as soapy plastic with his melodies, and while the choruses are hooky, they aren't cookie cutter. Key changes, unexpected bittersweet breaks, and an occasional prog-rock breakdown tie this album together, and for me, is one of the must buys for the year. If you're a fan of nice guitar work, if you follow what's going on with new rock music, or if you're a survivor from the mid to late nineties era of melodic punk (Bad Religion comes to mind), go buy this album now! It's slightly short, but you won't be sorry. 4.7 manstyle points. *same ol'shit [www.thrice.net]