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Thrice Farewell Tour, 5/6/12

05/07/12 at 04:34 AM by Gumbyjag

"and I know that this could be more than just flashing lights and sounds"

That's a quote from the chorus of one of post-hardcore's favorite band's songs. Yes I am talking about Thrice. A band that hasn't won a Grammy, was on a major label for three years, and still haven't had a platinum-selling album. To some, that denotes a relatively unsuccessful career. That hasn't stopped the band somehow still being considered an underground favorite, throughout seven scene-defining albums and throes of different fans in the process. They are the kind of band who progresses as you do, so for a generation who may have seen them in a VFW hall one year and MTV2 the next, it's heartbreaking to hear when a band you grew up with is throwing in the towel.

Naturally, it was a bittersweet present, being in the midst of a band on its "Farewell Tour" (that even hurts a little to read). With that in mind, the good sides of loss are reverence and remembrance. To that effect, the dedicated fans of Arizona were ready for some good times.

However, through some kind of misfortune, neither O'Brother or Animals As Leaders made it to the show. I can attest and imagine that this created a lot of disappointment in the group, as many people were there principally for one or both. It's really a shame they couldn't be there to support the headliner or themselves.

The Lucky Man intuition came through in flying colors. Last-minute openers/main support Underground Cities took the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to open for a big-market promotion. Using home field to advantage (hailing from Chandler) and post-rock imaginativeness, the charming stage presence and feel of the vocal-less jams brought an easygoing atmosphere to an (otherwise) frustrated assembly who had been waiting a good hour past the original showtime start for a true opening. UC are a band with a lot of talent and promise, but could use some originality (think of a poor man's Explosions In The Sky) and fluidity in their songs. All the same, for local act to have a chance to rival nationally-recognized talent is a huge accomplishment.

Waiting seemed even longer as fatigue and heat set in, the adjunct to the time it took for the California natives to take the stage. The equally spent fellas wasted no time, upon the lights-killing. It was an interesting set of fan-chosen picks, mine personally would have been a far cry from what was (Identity Crisis and The Illusion of Safety-heavy) but satisfying notwithstanding. Appreciating the songs was easy. This, after all, might have been the last time we would see them live. Heeding the call to sing along was of no spare effort, everyone was encouraged to let the guys know we would miss them. There was no more appropriate choice than "Anthology" for a closer after such a star-studded collection of songs was played. Bands come and go, such as songs, such as meanings, such as life. This little part of part of mine: Thrice, a little part of me will miss for a good while.

I was among good company for this show too. My fond contemporary Justin (who also wrote a lengthy description of his night) along with his stepsister Terra were sprightly and a lot of fun. My sister Brittney, while milking me for all that I'm worth in cash, made me happy to see enjoy (at times) a show again. Us kin don't hang out often so every once in a while it's nice.

Neglecting the pain of 5+ crowdsurfers falling on my head and the caffeine purportedly influencing this report, I type this with a satisfied mind that if only is appreciating the night for what it was and while I am able to. I hope that the next musical presentation comes sooner than later. I'm sure it will be worth divulging in such high volumes as this.

Tags: Underground Cities, Thrice

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