Thursday- "War All T he Time" (Sep.16, Island Records)
Grade: B+
When Thursday released "Full Collapse" in 2001, it ignited an above ground flame in a "screamo" genre that had been previously underground with the likes of Cross My Heart and Cursive. The success of "Full Collapse" capitalized on the din created by 1998's "Waiting," and served notice that Thursday was a band to be reckoned with. In 2002, the band released a five song EP, "Five Stories Falling," in order to sooner be released from their contract with Victory Records. This EP held four live tracks and a new track, "Jet Black New Year," a song which was arguably their finest and most aggressive work thus far.
Fast-forward to present day, and here stands "War All The Time," with incredible amounts of pressure and anticipation. The record is truly enjoyable, but doesn't really separate itself from "Full Collapse." "War All The Time" is much more melodic, shows much less hardcore influence-and vocalist Geoff Rickly is much more forward in his social agenda-but for the most part it seems a little too formulaic for the band.
The opening track, "For The Workforce, Drowning," is some of their finest work, featuring all the elements that comprise the intensity that is a Thursday live show: Tucker Rule's frenetic and pounding drums, Rickly's hurried and imperative vocals, and the cooperating heavy guitar work that has become such a staple for the band. "Signals Over The Air" has the vivid imagery that Rickly paints in Thursday's most endearing work as he sings, "they stole the love from our lives to put the sex on the radio." "This Song Was Brought To You By A Falling Bomb" uses piano, something very new to the band, and is a welcome change of pace to the arpeggiating guitars that lead most of their songs.
The problem with this record is that while it does little to differentiate from their previous work, it is still a wonderful, hard-hitting piece of work. Those looking for the amount of innovation and change that was apparent between "Waiting" and "Full Collapse" will be disappointed, but those looking for an excellent record will find one of the better releases of the late summer.
Recommended for fans of: Boysetsfire, Braid, Thrice.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
