As a preface, allow me to point out the difficulty that this list faced me with. It made me realize just how solid Thrice’s catalogue really is, rarely having a misstep at all, besides in their debut album. There are many tracks that could compete for these spots, just think of this as a list of possibilities for top tracks.
10. “See You in the Shallows” from The Illusion of Safety
While later albums showed the group pushing their talents and songwriting capabilities into much deeper territory, no Thrice list could be complete without a track from their sophomore album. This track has always stuck out to me for the way in which it takes the subject matter of suicide and places it within a chilling metaphor that spans the whole track, showing the roots of Kensrue’s lyrical capabilities that still keep getting better. It also displays the finesse with which the album takes post hardcore and adds a third dimension, a certain depth, to it.
9. “Stare at the Sun” from The Artist in the Ambulance
By the time of this single and its album, Thrice had made it into the mainstream, but continued to push their sound in different directions. Most notably, this album took their post-hardcore music and stripped it down into tighter more compact units, calling to mind a more traditional rock sound. This track’s bass line has always stuck out to me, as well as the chilling guitar swells it opens with. Instrumental movement is the key here.
8. “Firebreather” from The Alchemy Index Vols. I and II
A frightening almost siren-like song opens up the this song, and and the fire disc itself. The key to this tune is distortion, pounding its message of independence in with down tuned guitars and even a distorted bass. The fire metaphor never fails to grip my emotions, describing the feeling “to breathe in fire and know i’m free.” It is a call of independence and willingness to fight for the values closest to one’s heart.
7. “Digital Sea” from The Alchemy Index Vols. I and II
What an amazing way to start off the water disc. This track takes you on your initial descent into Thrice’s beautifully dark ocean; a land where loneliness dominates, love is honest, and emotions float freely. The keyboard melody while so minimal, opens up the track in such an immediate way. Then when the chorus comes in, it is like the moment your head slips under the water to the depths below. Allusions to mythology really add to the track and make it one of Dustin’s greatest lyrical moments. The vocal effects complete the package, especially at the end as his voice slowly morphs into a wash of static despair, representing to me his last breath above water and the descent that follows.
6. “Come All the Weary” from The Alchemy Index Vols. III and IV
One of the group’s singles from The Alchemy Index, this track takes the disc’s signature stripped down folk sound and brings it to epic heights, all without destroying the spirit of disc. It opens with the strumming of a lonely acoustic guitar, soon joined by Teppei’s simple yet perfect lead line. The bible inspired lyrics find a suitable home in this passionately composed song. It is a very dynamic tune, featuring a swell of energy into the huge choruses, yet still able to soften down to barely anything in the short bridge.
5. “The Whaler” from The Alchemy Index Vols. I and II
Soft piano opens… then suddenly the harmonized vocals begin, singing a tale of a whaler’s time away from home; all of this occurs over top of an infinitely subtle arrangement of keyboards and a soft beat. The melody and lyrics, yet again, fit each other so perfect to form a very emotional image. The harmonies that close out the song are given room to breathe, standing very well independently even after the instruments leave the scene.
4. “Silver Wings” from The Alchemy Index Vols. III and IV
Each album of the Alchemy Index finishes with a sonnet which all share a common main melody and structure. Each one captures the essence of its respective element, serving as a very prog-rock sort of conclusion; however, the most unique and, in my eyes, beautiful element of these sonnets is the way that they all take the point of view of the element itself. Of all of these, Silver Wings stood out to me in its beautiful layers of harmonized vocals and light beats and chimes as the backdrop. It really does feel like you are floating across some breeze, hearing nothing but the breeze itself, telling you its story; this is all topped off by the final line of “And after all of this, I am amazed, that I am cursed far more than I am praised.”
3. “For Miles” from Vheissu
Teppei opens this song with piano, setting the stage for one of the Dustin’s finest vocal performances yet (the guy just keeps getting better though). The song is another very dynamic one from the group, moving through soaring choruses, a haunting bridge, and a blisteringly heavy closing section. My favorite is still the bridge section, such a beautiful moment that the group savors perfectly; everything from the chilling keyboards to the descending guitar runs serve as an extra color to be added to the track’s canvas.
2. “Of Dust and Nations” from Vheissu
And just when I thought “For Miles” could not be topped by another track on Vheissu, this little gem stepped out into my view. Immediately I was pulled in by its spooky intro, with the guitar swelling like a cry in an empty world… fading in… and out… until what will soon become the melody begins inconspicuously. Then suddenly, the feedback inches its way in, and everything takes off into the skies. Relentless energy consumes most of the track as Dustin sings such lyrics as “So put your faith in more than steel” and “Are we living in a shadow of the real,” condemning the world’s obsession with material things. The tapped guitar outro is beautifully done, bringing a perfect close to an amazing song.
1. “Open Water” from The Alchemy Index Vols. I and II
Selecting a number one track was very difficult… looking for which track has the most gripping music, or most gripping lyrics, or even atmosphere, was quite a challenge. So then, in all of the complexities, I noticed the feeling this one little gem gives me. It is incredibly simple in nature, yet that its where its greatest beauty lies. Yet again the group translates the physical nature of water so well into the music; this song’s choruses always make me envision the sight of soaring ocean waves. And yet contained withing all of these grand metaphors and allusions is a smaller, personal message: “I’m starting to believe the ocean’s much like you, because it gives and it takes away.” No matter who or what he is referring to, that line never ceases to amaze me. It is very atmospheric, very beautiful, very simple, and most of all, a perfect image of the ocean’s relation to love. We find ourselves so fascinated with it, needing it, yet at the same time so frightened at what may lie at its depths…
