Thrice
Beggars [2009]
Vagrant Records
Though it’s already been through the review mill, I’m willing to argue that Beggars is worthy of greater critical acclaim. If it’s been shunted at all, it’s due to the incredible success of prior releases Vheissu and The Alchemy Index. Now Beggars, though musically appearing slightly less potent (though there are echoes of each of their albums within), it does contain the band’s boldest lyrics yet. The topics the band has chosen are controversial and seriously challenge society: defining the meaning of true love, emphasizing the seriousness of marriage vows, questioning the notion of progress, and living in light of eternity. These are signs of the band’s own growth in confidence and sophistication.
A band that has come this far could easily sell out, bowing to the demands of a label, a fanbase, or critics. Instead, Thrice continues to show their independence, highlighted in their choice to move from major label Island Records to indie label Vagrant Records. It’s widely known that indie labels, at the risk of smaller distribution, allow their signed artists greater freedom.
Thrice has never been a band to shun their values. They wield a powerful Christ-centered axiology that goes beyond stating the problems they see in the world, and declares how they want to see the world.
Opening track, “All the World is Mad” skilfully paints a picture of human corruption with, “we can’t medicate man to perfection again/we can’t legislate peace in our hearts/we can’t educate sin from our souls/it’s been there from the start” and sets it against the notion of progress with “Circles”, saying, “true progress means/matching the world with/the vision in our heads/we always change/the vision instead”.
Dustin Kensrue’s vocals carry the poignant messages with intensity. Yelling from the heart, he promises “I won’t abandon you or leave you behind/love is a loyalty sworn, not a burning for a moment” in “The Weight”, a song about the gravity of the marriage vow. Halfway through the album lies new fan favourite “In Exile”, its lyrics taken out of Hebrews 11, lyricizing the hope of Abraham thus: “My heart is filled with songs of forever / a city that endures where all is made new / I know I don't belong here I'll never / call this place my home I'm just passing through”.
Thrice is a rare band whose faith has become more overt over time. Fans should be able to respect that their growing sophistication is linked to growing faith. Thrice have garnered a loyal and enthusiastic following among Christians and non-Christians alike and with the release of this excellent album continue to be salt and light spiritually and musically.
