My first Thursday album and definitely not my last. This is the post hardcore veterans' major label debut. There is nothing to fear however. From start to finish, the album pulls you in and never let's go. From the brutal opener For The Workforce, Drowning to the beaufitul War All The Time, and the haunting Tommorow I'll Be You, every band member has something great to contribute to each song. From lead singer Geoff Rickly's powerful voice and lyrics to Tucker Rule's unique style and unpredictable drumming, the album never gets old. Shredding guitars and bass as well as keyboards/synthesizer also make this nothing short of a classic.
With its abundance of off-key vocals and emotional lyrics, "War All the Time" is delightfully off-kilter at first, but descends into a same-sounding trend that will easily wear on one's nerves after the first few songs.
Thursday are one of those bands where it'll probably take a few listens to truly appreciate what you're listenening to, and it was actually a couple of years after I bought the CD that I decided to pick it up again and give it some patience. I'm glad I did. The guitar-work is often intricate and very intuitive, and in songs like 'Steps Ascending', you find such a mix of loud and soft playing, but it always feels necessary. Superb album.
