Thrice – Palms

Thrice is one of those bands that took a while to grow on me.  In truth, there was a time when I actively disliked the band, and it wasn’t until they broadened their horizons on the Earth component of The Alchemy Index that I really connected with the California post-hardcore quartet.  After this point, I developed a gradual fondness for Thrice as they continued to mature, and have thoroughly enjoyed front man Dustin Kensrue’s solo output during the band’s off season.  The band’s latest album, Palms, captures Kensrue and the band in their present state, serving as a masterful exemplar of the band’s evolving maturity.

Palms is full of surprises right out of the gate.  Opener “Only Us” pulses with a sweeping synth-rock aura. Kensure’s clear but weathered vocals rub coarsely as thick guitar chords reverberate across the soundscape.  The song confidently commands the room, achieving an anthemic scale that straddles the line between suspenseful sci-fi hit Stranger Things and dark pop idols Depeche Mode.  It’s not the norm on Palms, but Thrice sets an enticing tone and establishes a unique presence.

The album predominantly operates at a slow to mid-tempo pace, squarely setting sights on establishing a shadowy atmosphere.  “The Grey” fits the mould of grungy rock track, while those like “The Dark” channel mysterious post-punk undertones. Stand out tracks like “Hold Up a Light” are shoe-in singles and crowd pleasers just waiting to be joined by a chorus of listeners to belt along with.  “Just Breathe” occupies more of an experimental, math-rock vibe, channelling faint undertones reminiscent of Minus The Bear and Mutemath.  The only negative association the band seems to venture towards is on “My Soul,” which some may feel nudges a little too close to Soundgarden or Audioslave for their liking.  “Everything Belongs” is somewhat forgettable and suffers from a slight failure to launch.

Palms closes with a throwback to Earth-era Alchemy Index, slowing down for a pseudo-acoustic number that speaks with a vulnerable and exposed voice.  Palms might not take as many chances as the opening track may imply, but as the album’s final moments demonstrates, with subtle flourishes and obvious care Thrice brings it all together.  While a few tracks fall into the backdrop amidst their more memorable counterparts, Thrice’s contemporary personae is exactly where former skeptics like myself are happiest to find them.  Palms is yet another reason to embrace now, and anticipate them for Thrice for years to come.