THRICE

THRICE
THE ALCHEMY INDEX VOL. III & IV (2008)
320 KBPS

When the Alchemy Index, Vol. 1 & 2 Fire and Water were released last year, everyone was hit hard by how incendery and raw fire was, and how mesmerizing and trance like water was. Yet, not everyone was pleased with the album. I for one loved Fire and Water, even though it does have its ups and downs. I think most fans were left wondering, what are Air and Earth going to sound like? Will they be a dissapointment or will the complete the Alchemy Index into a stunning musical achievement? Well, suffice to say, having listened to Air and Earth thoroughly, Thrice have a elevated themselves over the first two volumes. If you were dissapointed in Fire and Water at all, don't worry, Air and Earth are much much better.
Air, is quite simply stunning to listen too. Dustins vocals are very impressive, I find them to be better here than they were in Vol. I and II, if only slightly. Broken Lungs is a strong intro track, giving you a good idea as to what to expect for the rest of Air. Everything on this album is near perfect. If I could I sum it up in one word I would say Blissful. Its hard to describe, it just needs to be heard. The closing song Silver Wings is truly special, I heard someone say they almost cried when they heard it. Its very moving and beautiful; by far the best closing track of the four volumes.
Earth is a complete 180 from Air. It reminds me very much of Dustins solo album, "Please Come Home." Very country and folky, Earth may come as surprise to some, but its excellent. Its hard to say which of the volumes is better because they are so different, but Earth is very strong, and with the nature of the album, the lyrics really shine here. There is a little bit of something for everyone here, but I can't imagine you not liking the Alchemy Index Vol. 3 & 4. Its just outstanding, and it really is much better than I had predicted. If Thrice continues to evolve and elevate themselves from here, who knows where they can go.

Disc 1
1. Broken Lungs
2. The Sky Is Falling
3. A Song For Milly Michaelson
4. Daedalus
5. As The Crow Flys
6. Silver Wings

Disc 2
1. Moving Mountains
2. Digging My Own Grave
3. The Earth Isn't Humming
4. The Lion And The Wolf
5. Come All You Weary
6. Child Of Dust