Thrice - Beggars

  by Adrian Huggins

published: 26 / 9 / 2009

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Californian group Thrice release an impressive sixth album in the form of ‘Beggars’. It comes off the back of their triumphant and critically acclaimed four part concept album ‘The Alchemy Index’ and 'Beggars' finds Thrice carrying on in a similar style. It is clear listening to 'Beggars' that the band have really come into their own compared to the Thrice of old. While this is a great record, I can’t pretend that I don’t miss some of the old heavier and intense moments of the first few albums. Still great art has to progress and take its own path and with this album it is obvious straight from the first bars of the first track, ‘All the World is Mad’, that the band have nailed yet another fine album. Thrice's songs have really matured in their sound as have their songs as a whole. Songs like ‘The Weight’ and ‘The Great Exchange’ are much more patient affairs than some of their older offerings and the result is truly beautiful. Again produced by guitarist/pianist Teppai Teranishi, they maintain the perfect balance of loud and quiet, which is where their strength lies. Terranishi also adds a lot more piano this time around, and rather than sounding just that, like it has been “added”, it is now an integral part of the band's sound. This brings a gentle new dimension to 'Beggars'. Still weighing in with heavier numbers like ‘At the Last’ and ‘Talking Through Glass’, Thrice manage to cover all grounds without ever sounding like they are trying to make a certain kind of song in some kind of attempt to "cover all bases". Their new sound is a natural progression which has been developing since their 2001 debut, 'Identity'. Whereas in their early days they would be compared to the more hardcore, underground bands of the time, they now have elements of Athlete, Elbow and even Coldplay. Some of the songs in subtle ways have the ambition of Muse. Dustin Kensrue’s vocals throughout are confident and fitting. Backed up by brothers Ed and Riley Breckenridge on bass and drums, Thrice really have a complete and constantly developing sound which never seems like it is being done for the sake of it. ‘In Exile’ is a perfect example of this. The patience of writing really shines through with great results. It is immense in sound and yet very easy to instantly enjoy, the heavier side of the band kicking in near the end. Once again I find myself reviewing a band that I have enjoyed listening to for ten years. The depth of their songs has continued to grow throughout their career and on 'Beggars' they have found the perfect sound yet again.

Track Listing:-

1 All The World Is Mad
2 The Weight
3 Circles
4 Doublespeak
5 In Exile
6 At The Last
7 Wood And Wire
8 Talking Through Glass / We Move Like Swing Sets
9 The Great Exchange
10 Beggars

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