Thrice’s Identity Crisis was their first full-length album, and a very impressive debut. I first owned Illusion of Safety, but promptly picked this one up after. Now I wouldn’t say I was disappointed at all, this album just isn’t as awesome as Illusion of Safety. The best way for me to review this album is to compare and contrast it to their other work. So don't think I'm bashing this album when I do so.
Thrice is known for their technicality, both lyrically and musically. But this, while being a very impressive debut, doesn't stand out as much compared to Illusion or The Artist In the Ambulance. But like I said, this means nothing as far is it being good music.
The title track, Identity Crisis, starts off the album and does so very well as I feel its one of the better tracks on here. The lyrics are very solid, and I love the riffs. The 2nd verse is the most powerful, i think, with its lyrics and the layering of the vocals. However, the song hits its peak at the breakdown/outro. The first thing I really noticed that stood out was the difference in Dustin's screaming. It sounds a lot less matured on this album, although the quality of production might have something to do with that. Not to say that the production is bad, but...believe it or not...its not on the same level of Illusion of Saftey, and definitely not Artist.
Two more standouts are To What End and A Torch To End All Torches. To What End is another great one in the way of lyrics. And musically, namely the breakdown after the last chorus, is top notch. Sounds like it would fit right in on IOS.
A Torch To End All Torches is more in the vain of hardcore than To What End. Pretty good lyrics here from Dustin. However the screaming, once again, doesn't seem as powerful. The whole first part of the song is with screamed vocals, so that brings down the song a bit. The end is sweet, what with a cool, clean bridge that jumps into a sort of melodic hardcore breakdown. Then comes the end... Good uplifting lyrics over a pretty cool strum pattern/chord progression and they bust into a Strung Out esque outro. Good musicianship here and some cool gang vocals make this one of the high points off the album.
A couple of low points here. The Next Day...all I have to say is "What is a filler track doing on a Thrice cd?" It consists of some acoustic guitar over rain. Lame. Next we have In Your Hands. This song, while not bad and somewhat catchy, just does not fit the album. It's a straight up pop-punk song. Sure, we all can relate to the lyrics, but I expect more from Thrice. Also in the vain of pop-punk is Ultra Blue, however I enjoy this song a fair amount more than the previous, as its got some cool guitar work and good lyrics. It, once again, just doesn't seem to fit the album much. A good song, but does take away from the disc as a whole I think.
Finally, the last track T & C. I think I'd be banned if I didn't mention this song in this review, as it's a fan favorite. I love this song, definately the best and most impressive on the album. Great lryics, if not slightly repetitive.
"And everytime
I play with passion, I start breaking strings
And my voice cracks
When I sing from my heart
Guess thats the price
I've gotta pay to know that I'm alive
This melody is tearing me apart"
Thats the chorus, and the second time through is the highlight of the album. Wait, I take that back. The raging solo that follows is highlight of the disc. So much Rock. Then comes the most "Epic" part o the album. What with the whoas over the dramatic vocals about failure, it just gives the end of the song a very big feel. Dustin's vocals, both screaming and singing, peak on this song and it closes the album perfectly. If nothing else, buy this cd for this song.
-The Good-
It's Thrice, so the musicianship is solid
It's Thrice, so the lyrics are solid as well
Creative songwriting that embraces multiple genres
There isn't a bad song on here, just 1 or 2 that don't fit
T & C
-The Not so Good
In Your Hands does not fit this album
Dustin's screaming is kind of sloppy in places
The Next Day...what is that all about
All in all, this is a damn good debut. Quality tunes, however I'd recommed Illusion of Saftey first if you haven't heard Thrice, but don't put this one off for long after that. There it is, I hope I did this album justice.
Thrice - Identity Crisis
4/5
