Thrice - Live at the House of Blues

[Drew Beringer]

Thrice – Live At The House Of Blues
Release Date: December 9, 2008
Record Label: Vagrant

I’ve always been a fan of live albums. It’s fun and interesting to hear your favorite band play a selection of tracks and pick up on how a certain song is played live. Added effects, crowd interaction, and extended intros and outros are ever-present, while the difference between the produced album version of a song and its live (albeit somewhat produced) interpretation. And when it is a band like Thrice, with their collection of tracks that span many genres, my ears become giddy. The Orange County quartet have finally added the live album to its rolodex, a two-disc epic showcasing 25 tracks that span from the early days (The Illusion of Safety to the more recent Alchemy Index. Recorded and filmed at The House of Blues in Anaheim, California, it is an intimate yet intense showcase of Thrice’s stellar catalog.

The opening transition between the acoustic “The Lion and The Wolf” into the fire and brimstone of “Firebreather” starts the live show perfectly. The use of standard drums instead of programmed ones on “Digital Sea” gives the track a more raw, personal feel, as well as “Open Water,” as the emotion pours out of Dustin Kensrue’s mouth. The triple-threat attack of “The Artist In The Ambulance,” “Trust,” and “Cold Cash For Colder Hearts” absolutely knock you on your ass, as Thrice proves they can still melt your face. The audio capture on these two discs is fantastic, as the passion and intensity is pristine on tracks such as “Broken Lungs” and “Stare At The Sun.” “Silhouette” and “Daedalus” aren’t players, but they sure do crush a lot. “Deadbolt” is the best live capture on the discs, firing the crowd into a frenzy as the band dominates on stage. The extended outro is a nice touch, and is definitely my highlight.

The visual portion of this collection is the breadwinner though. The camera angles, lights, and audio are stunning, and create an experience you must see. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see Thrice live yet, this is your second best chance to do so. The various interviews given by the band members rounds out the DVD into a nice, complete package that you cannot miss out on.

The bottom line here is Thrice is still one of the best bands in the scene, and Live At The House Of Blues continues to prove this. This collection is a treat for the senses, and if you are a Thrice fan, you already own this. I recommend this for the casual fan as well, because after watching the live DVD, you just may be hooked on Thrice for good.

Track Listing
Disc One
1. The Lion And The Wolf
2. Firebreather
3. The Messenger
4. Of Dust And Nations
5. Digital Sea
6. Flags Of Dawn
7. Burn The Fleet
8. Open Water
9. The Earth Isn’t Humming
10. The Artist In The Ambulance
11. Trust
12. Cold Cash And Colder Hearts
Disc Two
1. Broken Lungs
2. The Whaler
3. All That’s Left
4. Silhouette
5. Come All You Weary
6. Stare At The Sun
7. Daedalus
8. Don’t Tell And We Won’t Ask
9. Hold Fast Hope
10. For Miles
11. Red Sky
12. Deadbolt
13. The Earth Will Shake
Thrice is:
Dustin Kensrue – vocals/guitar
Teppei Teranishi – guitar
Eddie Breckenridge – bass
Riley Breckenridge – drums

Official Website (http://www.thrice.net); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/thrice); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/thrice)

[hardpill]

Identity Crisis live at the house of blues, plz

[Protested Hero]

The poster above me is an idiot. Thrice has progressed so much from those days that they aren't even the same band anymore, they're much better. Get over T and C.

On that note, I love this dvd. Having seen Thrice live a ton of times, this really captures what their show feels like. Plus I've always wanted to have a good quality version of their extended Deadbolt.

[heyozzie]

i agree, this whole cd/dvd set is great. its a solid capture of an excellent live performance. i felt the exact same way when i listened to it drew, good work on the review. its just a real treat for thrice fans.

[ACA]

Identity Crisis is a good CD. But it's the band's weakest.. I'd much rather see newer material live.

This DVD is fantastic.. twenty-five songs is incredible for a band rooted in punk/hardcore. I'd challenge you to find any band in the same genre of Thrice that puts out a longer DVD.

The setlist is money, as well. With any setlist there's always a few songs "missing" ("Kill Me Quickly" FTW!) but the band does an excellent job of diving six years back into their catalog while also combining bsides and new material.

I'd recommend this DVD to anyone who enjoys this style of music, even if you're not familiar with Thrice. You might find your new favorite band.

-ACA

[ACA]

Also, Drew, nice review. I think you've come a long way in your reviewing ability.. it's a lot more mature.

-ACA

[sweetfootaction]

Why exactly did you rate the lyrics on this?

[TheLoyalVox]

I've been listening to this constantly since I got it. Love it.

[boykosaurus]

Particularly good review. I remember seeing them live a while back, after Artist... came out. They were excellent then--from the nosebleed section--and I cant wait to get my hands on this and see how they've progressed live.

[nashiscash1324]

ya i was sitting on the fence on whether or not to pick this up...thanks for swaying my vote in the right direction!

[unnameworthy]

I myself can never get into live recordings, but I would have loved to be at this show. The setlist is astonishing.

[Anton Djamoos]

Also, Drew, nice review. I think you've come a long way in your reviewing ability.. it's a lot more mature.

-ACA
“Silhouette” and “Daedalus” aren’t players, but they sure do crush a lot.

[jtyexists9]

I think I may get this.

[hardpill]

You see what happens? You turn into a bunch of whiney cry babies.

Love the energy of that album.

[batmannj]

that is one helluva track list, but i wish they had paper tigers on there....the drums and guitar work in that song are fantastic.

[sevinw0rds]

This DVD is unbelievable. And the interview footage is great, especially when they get into the details about their gear and favorite films growing up. Dustin calls George Lucas insane, that shit is gold.

[Adeniz19]

this dvd captured the intensity of a live thrice show perfectly. as much as i love thrice cds, i think a live setting is the best way to listen to their songs. not too many bands can actually sound better live.

[CokeorPepsi]

Hopefully getting this for xmas. can't wait.

[Adeniz19]

this dvd was such a pain in the ass to find in stores, btw. i went to like 4 different places before i ended up finding it.

[get up kidd]

good shit!!!

[I am Mick]

Ordered this for Christmas. I'm stoked.

[bloodyr0mance87]

good review. and lol at the Big Pun reference.

[Illuminate]

this dvd was such a pain in the ass to find in stores, btw. i went to like 4 different places before i ended up finding it.
Same. I'm gonna just buy it online. Both Target and Virgin didn't carry it.

[topher465]

Same. I'm gonna just buy it online. Both Target and Virgin didn't carry it.
I'm hoping Best Buy will have it.

[Cheesus]

Drew, you always choose the best things to review, its awesome. Couldn't agree more with this one.

[ACA]

I got this from Amazon for like $12. You can always find the slickest deals online, why waste time and gas going to stores..?

[CarryOn09]

damn good album, damn good review. nice job. i bought this the day it came out and even after listening to it for a week and watching it several times, im still not tired of it.

[CarryOn09]

I got this from Amazon for like $12. You can always find the slickest deals online, why waste time and gas going to stores..?
i got mine from best buy for $12. it was marked as $17

[WhoSaidThat?]

Right on the money, Drew.

[Poochemist]

Hopefully I'll get this one for Christmas. I'm assuming that it includes both DVD and audio.

[YeahRiight]

this dvd was such a pain in the ass to find in stores, btw. i went to like 4 different places before i ended up finding it.

Dude, seriously. Been to two different Targets and two different Best Buys' and neither of them had it. I NEED THIS NOW!!!!

[songforthedeaf]

make sure you look in cd's, I checked a lot in dvd's before realizing I was stupid.

[c_rob2700]

I know my Best Buy just started putting all the live dvd's right above the artists in alphabetical. Hoping to recieve this for Christmas.

Another solid review Drew

[serotoninzero]

I was just listening to this in the shower and then came out, turned it on again, loaded up ap.net and here's a review. I absolutely love this album. It's beautiful, and it makes me sad every time I hear it now because I missed the Thrice/Circa show due to lack of funds right at the last second. I paid for a previous concert for my girlfriend and I, and she promised to pay for this one.. and then she wasn't able to so we missed it. Oh well. I saw them on the RA and Alkaline tour but the set was very minimal and doesn't compare to this epic masterpiece of a set. Here's to hoping they give it a vinyl release along with the Alchemy Indexes that I'm getting in Feb.

[CarryOn09]

Hopefully I'll get this one for Christmas. I'm assuming that it includes both DVD and audio.
yes it does. full audio of the set and video.

[onetwentyseven]

great review dude, i had to watch the dvd twice in a row, it was absolutely incredible.

[-ben]

Perfect review of a fantastic release

[singlexsorrow]

I saw like two days ago Hot Topic is selling it for $12.99

[eucademix]

i just bought it and it's so great to watch and listen to.

[Nick Le]

I lovelovelove this sooo much. Pissed that I haven't been able to see them yet.

[DandonTRJ]

Fantastic album. I caught them twice on the Circa Survive junket (once at college and then two weeks later after flying home for the summer); they recorded this album at the stop right before my second show. Go figure, aha. In any case, I was floored by how far they've come since the days of playing All That's Left on Jimmy Kimmel back in... 2003, I guess it was? Everything is so mucher tighter now compared to then -- they've really, really matured as both songwriters and performers, even given their headstart (Illusion of Safety is easily better than 99% of things ever produced by "the scene"). And while I completely understand why the concert is focused on new material, I still can't help but wish an extra song or two from IoS had crept onto the setlist. I appreciate Trust being on there immensely, since they usually only play Deadbolt as the sole tribute to their Sub-Pop catalogue. But man. I wish a barn-burner like Kill Me Quickly or The Red Death had been selected too. But now I'm just nitpicking. Their last four LPs have been nothing short of brilliant and I'm glad to see them showcased so brilliantly here. Thrice can simply do no wrong. Can't wait for TAI on vinyl to show up at my doorstep.

Addendum: While I also love the one-two punch opening on the DVD, I feel like their segue from The Lion and the Wolf into Hold Fast Hope at my show was even better. Check it out (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smOwfcDqnnA). :w

[Sic Transit Zeb]

good stuff and good album.

I agree with ACA on your progression. Keep it up.

[Poochemist]

yes it does. full audio of the set and video.
Good. I can rock it in the car then.

[jerseysbest]

I have got this for Christmas, can't wait to watch it.

[AussieBoy]

Their worst album, by far. Grow up.
i know totally, they really start become the band they are till Artist..., best evolution of a band in a looong time, from kick arse great to artistically great

[AussieBoy]

bummin images of the invisible aint on the set anymore, but hey i guess some have got go when u got that many songs

[Adeniz19]

Dude, seriously. Been to two different Targets and two different Best Buys' and neither of them had it. I NEED THIS NOW!!!!
i think most places only ordered like one or two copies. i finally found one at borders

[weworemasks]

Their worst album, by far. Grow up.

easily. :tophat:

[Illuminate]

I'm hoping Best Buy will have it.
Best Buy is surprisingly the most reliable source for albums these days.

[glassjaw777]

i picked this goodness up right when it came out and you tell it how it really is. great review.

[oncedarkness]

Best Buy is surprisingly the most reliable source for albums these days.
it really is. the selection is usually really good.

[atticusfinch]

nice review, Drew. this dvd was amazing to experience. i love this band and have seen them 4 times.

[WordsandMusic]

Their worst album, by far. Grow up.
get over yourself buddy. if someone likes I.C., who the hell are you to tell them otherwise? People like you make me ashamed to share my race with you.

[Ryzenfall]

Saw these guys at a private show a few weeks ago at the Anaheim HOB They played a ton of their old stuff.
They did this cover of "Helter Skelter" that was incredible.

The setlist to this DVD is unparalleled.

[songforthedeaf]

i'd really like a good audio version of them doing "Helter Skelter"

[littlebeav]

The words of your review were very spot on, but I think the numbers are a bit low. Definitely from my point of view, especially considering I've had it playing since the day before it was released and haven't even watched the DVD yet. That being said, it's a pretty bitching CD.

To the poster a bit above: you rate the lyrics cause it's a review. About a band with a singer. Who sings. WTF? New people may have never heard of Thrice, and even if it's not a new song, it's still gotta have some sort of loose numeric value to be associated with in order to further provide an accurate portrayal of the album's quality. IE: it might be new to someone else!

[Jamos4184]

Probably the second best live cd/dvd I own (but a VERY close second to Muse's Haarp). I was surprised to see that "Image of the Invisible" was left off the setlist, not disappointed, though because it's still an outstanding setlist and show. I HAVE to see them live and in-person before I die.....

[Jamos4184]

it really is. the selection is usually really good.
I've actually been rather disappointed with my local Best Buy as of late. They used to get everything and I could always depend on them, but anymore I don't even bother going there. Surprisingly enough, Hot Topic has been far more reliable, despite the fact that I don't like going in there for fear of being mistaken for a "scenester".

[deathcar]

Saw these guys at a private show a few weeks ago at the Anaheim HOB They played a ton of their old stuff.
They did this cover of "Helter Skelter" that was incredible.

They played "Helter Skelter" on the Salt Lake stop with Rise Against last month. Not one of my favorite Beatles songs but they did an awesome job with it.

I was hoping for "Lullaby" to be included on the setlist but it seems pretty solid. My girlfriend bought me this for Christmas so I can't have it 'til Thursday to actually listen to it. =(

[sweetfootaction]

Their worst album, by far. Grow up.http://i29.tinypic.com/2e4alph.jpg

[Zaxx]

dust of nations ftw

[Drew Beringer]

Probably the second best live cd/dvd I own (but a VERY close second to Muse's Haarp). I was surprised to see that "Image of the Invisible" was left off the setlist, not disappointed, though because it's still an outstanding setlist and show. I HAVE to see them live and in-person before I die.....
I was thinking that too, it's odd that IOTI isn't on there.

[lonelysuperstar]

Highlights:
extended deadbolt outro, gang vocals on firebreather, the last 4 tracks, crowd singalongs to everything off artist in the ambulance.

[liveloud4life]

I can't figure out why the rating is so low if the review is so positive. Vocals 7.75? How much better can vocals get? And what about lyrics? If Thrice can't get in the 9 range on vocals or lyrics than I'm rapidly losing faith in this site.

[StartAngry&Mad]

the Christmas present I'm looking forward to most; one the THE tightest bands I've ever experienced live, they never cease to amaze me

[Alexx Miller]

I was blown away when I saw this. Thrice never fails to amaze me.

[Rabot]

i love this DVD
i only wish that i could have been at the actual show

[AussieBoy]

who are the dudes who sing back up on firebreather?

[KaneFails]

Highlights of the show:
When Riley says "We are not a Jukebox!"
Every time an audience member shout, "Image of the Invisible!"
The Artist in the Ambulance
Deadbolt
The Lion and the Wolf and Firebreather

[You Won't Know]

I am beyond stoked to have a recorded version of Deadbolt live.
So good!

[Ryan Rumsey]

I just dont understand how people can like Illusion of Safety better than any of the newer records. Everything after illusion has been incredible.

[AussieBoy]

I just dont understand how people can like Illusion of Safety better than any of the newer records. Everything after illusion has been incredible.
totally! thrice r like a fine wine

[donwagenblast]

I couldn't believe they left "Image of the Invisible" off. That was the song that got me into this band.