Thrice – Vheissu

I’ve already stated in my previous review for Thrice‘s CD/DVD combo If We Could Only See Us Now that I’m not a huge fan of the band. In fact, I greatly dislike them. But everyone always hypes them up, talks about them and goes on about how absolutely amazing the band is – which always sparks my interest. I always think that maybe there’s something I’m missing, something I’m not seeing. So when they released their new album, Vheissu, I knew I had to hear it, at least a few times, just to see if they can change my mind. And let’s just say that has the CD ripped through its opening track, I was amazed.

Image Of The Invisible is an amazing song. It kicks the album off perfectly. Strong, harsh lyrics, with perfect gang/shout a-long choruses. Although its a four minute long song, it seems so much quicker. It pulls you in with its memorizing chants and you find yourself surprised to hear it end. It’s just a great song, and I immediately thought that maybe, just maybe, I have finally seen what the fuss is all about as I eagerly awaited the rest of the album.

Unfortunately, the rest of Vheissu simply reinforced my previous conceptions of the band. Now, it’s not that the remaining ten songs are a pain to listen to, it’s just that they are pretty boring. They seem to drag on and by the time you’re halfway though you’re thinking it should be over by now. Other than a few times, like some parts on The Earth Will Shake, Vheissu is pretty lackluster. They don’t seem to know what they want, and while Dustin Kensrue’s vocals are strong and convert to CD well, they seem to be lacking something in the melodic parts and really only have the solid, confident feel, during the band’s heavier sections.

I will admit a few things about this band though, they do have incredibly cool artwork; and then, on top of that, the band has taken the time to explain the construction of every song to their fans throughout the booklet. While casual fans will probably never read it, all their rabid fans will drool at the notion. And plus, a portion of the proceeds from every album sold will be donated to 826 Valencia, a neighbor hood based non-profit educational organization.

Overall, fans of the band will love Vheissu front to back. It may take a few listens, but they will love it. Meanwhile, people like myself, or are confused as to why Thrice have such a cult following, will remain confused.