Show Review

So it’s been a long time since I’ve been absolutely floored by a show. To be honest, lately, I’ve been almost bored with going to shows. Especially considering I’ve been seeing several bands on the third, fourth, and fifth stride in the last few months, I’d be lying if I said Thrice was no exception. Maybe it’s a sign I’ve been growing up, or maybe I’m just too much of an egotistical, high and mighty music fan at shows these days. It’s probably a combination of both.

In any case, there’s a clear sign that I’m losing faith; seeing as how Thrice has always impressed me even from the first time I saw them way back in 2003, I still went into the show with low expectations. I think it’s just the nature of my being these days. I go to shows expecting as little as possible, with the hopes that even a minutely good performance will surprise me. Anyways, as I waited in line at the box office with a dismal glow, suddenly my heart leapt a bit as I heard some of my favorite Circa Survive jams thumping on the other side of the Ogden’s walls.

Circa Survive is amazing: that I can I say, but after relentlessly witnessing them during the year their debut, well, debuted, I think this Tuesday night marked the 13th time I’d seen them. Needless to say—and as anyone could say about any band—they were not likely to surprise me. And they didn’t, aside from the awesome interlude that sounded strangely like new material (please guys?) and Anthony’s more consistent avoidance of vocal mistakes; he held the mic away instead of yelping uncontrollably like he’s done in the past. Overall, it was simply a very solid performance, and at this point it’s really hard to be objective and say something like “how would I feel if this were my first time seeing them?” I eagerly await their next release, but admittedly could care less about Green’s forthcoming solo record—something I never thought I’d say. I just think what makes Circa Survive (at least what makes half) is their team of spacey, Dredg-y musicians.

Anyways, after seeing Thrice upwards of 5 times, I didn’t expect them to surprise me, but I pushed my way through sweaty backs and dripping haircuts to the front-center anyway. I couldn’t have been happier I did when the band casually walked on the stage and began to play “Firebreather.” I have rarely been entertained for an entire band’s set—Thrice, on this fateful night, made the exception to the rule true. Blazing through a set of songs spanning mostly Vheissu and the 4 element EP’s, the band’s performance couldn’t have been much better. Kensrue clearly has no problem singing the way he does on record, and the other musicians are no exception. Tight, soaring vocals were well-knit with cohesive backing vocals and guitar dynamics. And while the array of computers and advanced equipment were there for a reason, I couldn’t help but feel that the band would have sounded the same in a basement somewhere as long as it was mixed well. It’s like each member of Thrice knows clearly where they fit, and are so adjusted to their live routine that it becomes a sort of clockwork. Unstoppable. It was hard to pick a favorite moment, but very notable songs included the Frodus cover “The Earth Isn’t Humming,” the acoustic encore that included “Come All You Weary,” and definitely the closing opus of what the band deemed one of their best songs, “The Earth Will Shake.” I’ll also mention I was extremely happy to hear them play the B-side that I don’t even consider a B-side because I’ve listened to it so much called “Flags of Dawn.”

Of the few missing pieces, I longed to hear what I consider a few old key jams like “Paper Tigers” and “Deadbolt,” and from the newer material I was hoping and expecting to hear “Child of Dustin” and “Silver Wings.” I mean, aside from the fact that they didn’t play every song they’ve ever written, Thrice put on easily the best show I’ve seen in 2008, and by and large the best performance I’ve ever seen them play. I strongly encourage you to pick up all of the new EP’s, and screw all the idiots who are knocking the latter Air & Earth ones; I think those two are my favorite. Thrice, thank you for sticking around, and for being one of my favorite bands—it seems you’ve followed my own changing tastes as the years have gone by, and for that I couldn’t be more lucky.

review by Andrew Martin