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Thrice: The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV (Air and Earth)

11th April 2008 | by Aidan Williamson

Having survived the leap from independent label, to major and then back again, Thrice have always managed to issue forth solid albums that have never really been that interesting.

With their "Alchemy Index" series of four EPs, the band sought to change that, basing two albums worth of material around the four elements which make up our planet. (Fire, Water, Air and Earth) Having released the first two together last year, we get the latter duo packaged together in this installment.

Each EP seeks to emulate the general feel of its titular element. So, for example, listen to "Fire", you get post-metal ferocity, listen to "Water" and you get atmospheric offerings dripping in echo and reverb. The fact that it has taken so long to explain the concept behind these works prove that they're verging on either preposterous or pretentiousness. (probably an even split) What it does force the band to become though, is a whole lot more interesting.

Although there's an overriding sense that the concept is king throughout these albums, indeed Thrice seem to let the element steer the way in terms of songwriting rather than using it as a tool for their own ends. What cannot be said though, is that the execution is anything short of impressive. On evidence on this, we are eagerly awaiting "The Alchemy Index Vols. V & VI (Heart and Captain Planet)"

AIR:
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Immediately apparent is the fact that Thrice are finding this element difficult to represent sonically. Having used up most of the go-to effects on "Water", the boys opt for a weightless, bass-light sound with sweeping vocals inhabiting the space as light guitars duet with xylophones in the distance. When proceedings go distorted, the guitars emulate the sound of a crippled bi-plane as it careens out of control with the only certainty being that it'll end up on the ground one way of another.

Although Thrice have never been particularly renowned for their choruses, they make a strident effort on this EP, having consigned themselves to a more standard song-structure. Despite the fact that none of them are likely to linger in mind for long, they are immensely enjoyable, placing the whole song on an even keel as an experience, rather than a wrapper for the sickly sweet, housed in the middle.

While "A Song For Milly Michaelson", despite being the most personal track in the 'Air' section, is in no way deserving of its five minute runtime - rarely branching out from its simple, start-of-bar strumming pattern - "Daedalus" earns every second of it's six minutes. Presenting the rather emotional tale of Icarus' father, whose ingenuity and invention results in the death of his son and sends him spiralling into a depression from which he will never recover.

EARTH:
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The stylistic turnaround is doubtless as "Moving Mountains" begins its tenure. The vocals gain a folkish twang and the electron-powered instruments are cast asunder, in favour of their acoustic counterparts. Gone is the ambiguously downbeat nature of "Air", raised up in its place is an EP which drags it's heels through the loose dirt, spitting upon the curse of humanity as the protagonists hometown is swallowed by flames behind the silhouette of his broken frame.

A biblical theme is apparent from a brief familiarity with the songs. "Come All You Weary" combines the gospels with Homer's Odyssey to espouse a pulsating chorus with more power than a thousand Tesla coils. Setting itself up as the masterpiece of the set with little trouble.

It's on this instalment that Thrice really start to experiment with their vocals. While frontman Dustin Kensrue performs his (now folk-flavoured) vocals, the rest of the band busy themselves eerily effective counter-melodies and harmonies.

When "Child of Dust" finalises the conclusion, it's clear that this isn't one to be easily forgotten. Despite the admittedly shaky, uneven work that has come before, the finale closes by sealing the listener in a coffin and pouring the titular element on top of them. With that, the band fade off into the distance as you're left to contemplate your fate...

Rating:  7 / 10