Thursday, 'Common Existence' (Epitaph)
Fleeing screamo tag, Jersey crew look to neo-psych guru.
By Kenny Herzog 01.28.09 6:35 PM
These Smiths-loving, post-hardcore pioneers most likely recruited Flaming Lips and MGMT producer Dave Fridmann to finally disassociate their sound from the second- generation emo they helped define. But rather than straining for pop sophistication, Fridmann simply brightens and focuses the band's darker, more obtuse corners. While previous stabs at atmospheric balladry rang hollow, as Geoff Rickly's voice ricocheted around purposelessly, "Time's Arrow" teems with vulnerable grit. And things really rev up on latter-half tracks such as "Circuits of Fever," which crackles with the colorful chaos of vintage Mars Volta.
Listen: Thursday, "Friends In The Armed Forces"
Classic thursday right hear. When i heard this album was coming out i was a bit nervous about what they would come up with. I was delited to find out that thursday came through. If you are a fan of the band's past work then I know you will enjoy this one, and people who have not yet gotten into this band, enjoy.
As a long time fan of Thursday, I have to say that this album is terrible. Up until War All Of the Time I had loved everything that Thursday had produced. A City By The Light Divided was a movement away from the Thursday I loved, but was still tolerable. However, for the most part, Common Existance sounds like a cluttered mess to me. I think I will give Thursday one more shot, but if their next album is as bland as this one I am leaving behind what is unquestionably my favourite band of all time.
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