Review Summary: Thrice set the bar immeasurably high for post-hardcore acts yet to come
Major/Minor is the album that defines Thrice’s career. It is a massive tour-de-force that latches onto you and refuses to let go. The powerful, soothing, haunting, beautiful vocals of singer Dustin Kensrue are the highlight of the album however the whole band gives it their all the result is likely the strongest disc in Thrice’s discography. It avoids the eccentricities of the Alchemy Index and contains the power of their early work, yet keeps the soft gentle feel of Vhiessu and Beggars.
Major/Minor’s strength lies in its simplicity. Thrice set out to make this album without a concept, just well written and performed songs. The delivery on this concept is near flawless. Every song flows together and carries some deep weight in their lyrics. Looking at the lyrics of “Anthology” one can see subtle metaphors with life and sailing on troubled waters. Literally about a promise made to someone special, it carries a deeper metaphorical meaning; that no matter how vicious the storm, love can weather it through. “Anthology” is only one example of the deep lyrics Thrice have crafted for this album.
Just like the lyrics, the music is flawless as well. The simple guitar rhythms on songs like “Promises” are very reminiscent of the best of bands like The White Stripes or even AC/DC. The music is complex but never over steps its bounds. It is honestly just a near perfect work. There is nothing that detracts from this album in the slightest. The songs will last due to their deep meaningful lyrics and hidden sounds and intricacies that thrive on repeated listens.
This album is a perfect example of why Thrice is considered by most to be the defining post-hardcore band. They did not stick to the paradigms set by other bands in their genre, instead smashing through these barriers and crafting some of the best music ever written. Thrice can never truly be understood but from what has been determined so far is that what they do can never be matched, has no equal and changes lives. The best part is, there’s more to come.
