I was able to get a hold of the new Thrice album Beggars before it is released next week and have a quick couple listens to get my ears used to this new sound.  Yes the band who was once known for their aggressive guitar riffs and hardcore breakdowns is now long gone but it’s a nice change to say the least and many of the hardcore Thrice fans gave up on hearing Illusion of Safety 2. 

To be honest I was a little shell shocked the first time I listened to the album because it is drastically different meaning that it really is not heavy at all and is mostly geared towards a story telling folk style sound.  Their is some heaviness to his vocals and guitars at times but the album as a whole would match up most with their Air album off The Alchemy Index EP’s.  The first song  “All The World Is Mad” which I’m assuming is going to be their single is a pretty awesome song to start the album with some great guitar riffs and muddy bass lines that show the bands, now huge experimental side.  The album flows very well into the center piece of the album with probably my two favorite songs on their being “In Exile” which tells a story about a man who is a nomad and travels around the world calling no place home and being content with the lifestyle he has chosen.  As well as the creepy but fucking awesome folk style song in “Wood And Wire” which is about a man who is moments before walking to the electric chair thinking about the prison that has held him in for so long and the crimes he has committed and just wishing they could get this over with. 

Dustin Kensrue the lead singer and lyricist has really transformed into a folk style singer by mostly writing songs now that are stories about a person or an event that has happened and interpreting it in his own sense.  He is hands down one of my favorite singers and writers behind Isaac Brock from Modest Mouse and I really feel this album will get them away from the Warper Tour seen and into the ears of the critics who matter.  Most Thrice fans will be pleased with this album and if you weren’t a fan of the band in the past then you might be interested in checking this piece out especially if you appreciate great lyric writing.  The album hits ITunes August 11th and will be available in stores and on vinyl sometime shortly after that.

**Thrice last minute decided to change the cover of their album to the one above before physical release.  Much better in my opinion.