Spring Break
Prognosis looks grim for Thrice's 'Ambulance'
CD Review
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"The Artist in the Ambulance," the band's newest offering, is their first major label release on Island Def Jam records.
While this usually signifies a sell-out to most music critic wannabes, it also means Thrice has polished its act enough to swing for the fences in the big league.
Unfortunately, the band's music doesn't hold a candle to some of the more recent mainstream newbies.
The White Stripes, Good Charlotte and The Hives have had better opening runs, and -- while Thrice's luck might change -- their exposure is based on a lackluster album.
Dustin Kensrue's lyrics are well-written and dig deep, but most listeners won't be able to tune into the philosophical frequency.
Unfortunately, the album's lyrics are incomprehensible -- singing and screaming often are synonymous.
In "The Melting Point of Wax," listeners will be put in the shoes of Icarus as he tries to push his limits against the sun and life.
The title track for "The Artist in the Ambulance" tells the tale of a regretful man who wishes to fulfill promises not kept.
Kensrue should regret that his singing is sub-standard, and his screaming is abysmal. Other than that, the music is decent.
The guitar work from Teppei Teranishi, though well performed, is uninspiring. Riley Breckenridge's drumwork also could use improvement and variety.
The overall feel of the album is somewhat washed out by attempts to make a hit. When songs blend together, it's hard to distinguish the brilliance -- or lack thereof -- in the lyrics.
The punk-influenced songs are played at high speed within a short time span, and the frenzied feel of the songs might account for the disappearance of song beginnings and endings.
Thrice should take notes from Good Charlotte when it comes to producing punk-influenced songs that are commercially viable. They have the right ideas and beats, but just cannot pull it all together into a truly digestible album.
Thrice should improve with time. After all, not many bands have had stellar starts.
People say the third time's the charm, but these guys need to keep swinging. They have potential, but "The Artist in the Ambulance" crashed into the bleachers high and right.
-- William O'Dell
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 15
anonymous871
anonymous871
posted 10/22/03 @ 1:55 PM EST
Maybe the next time someone reviews a CD, they should do a little bit of background work. To compare Thrice to Good Charlotte is comparing Abercrombie to Junkman's. (Continued…)
anonymous871
anonymous871
posted 10/22/03 @ 9:39 PM EST
i agree. to praise the white stripes & the hives then insult thrice's musical ability is ridiculous. who let the trendy garage rock lover try and put the words "punk rock" with "good charlotte"? i'm glad thrice doesn't take any musical notes from that band, otherwise they'll end up just like every other commercially regurgitated band that gets played on mainstream radio. (Continued…)
anonymous871
anonymous871
posted 10/23/03 @ 5:03 AM EST
Is this guy serious?
The first thing I have to respond to is the comment that Teppei Teranishi's guitar work is "uninspiring." He's a classical guitarist and has amazing skill. (Continued…)
anonymous871
anonymous871
posted 10/23/03 @ 5:03 AM EST
William it is your take on "The Artist in the Ambulance" that "crashed into the bleachers high and right." I guess it's easy to see your argument here-Thrice's album isn't good because you don't think it will make the TRL top ten. (Continued…)
anonymous871
anonymous871
posted 10/24/03 @ 4:02 PM EST
Whoa, Whoa, Whoa there WIllie. First of all; you article is on the wrong page. Next time you right a "review" why don't you go ahead an put it under the OPINIONS section, because thats all you based your thrice review on. (Continued…)
anonymous871
anonymous871
posted 10/26/03 @ 3:04 AM EST
"Thrice should take notes from Good Charlotte"
you should be fired.
Ian Hilsdon
Marietta
Igod@ianhilsdon.com
john
posted 5/19/08 @ 3:40 PM EST
this is an awful review! you should be ashamed of yourself. thrice knows that they are different and they are okay with that. they probably don't want to sell out like good Charlotte and play for a bunch of 14 year olds screaming. (Continued…)
tom,
posted 5/28/08 @ 3:37 AM EST
you are an absolute cock.
nice demonstration of your zero musical knowledge
aileen
posted 10/12/08 @ 10:42 AM EST
you are an a$$ of a reviewer.
:)
justin stefanosky
posted 10/18/08 @ 12:53 AM EST
dude you are ridiculous i just saw thrice in west chester on October 15 and it was the best show i have ever been too... William quit your job because you have no idea what you are talking about. (Continued…)
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