Thread: Dustin Kensrue of Thrice is one of the best lyricists of our time

Here's a sample from the song "Firebreather" that seems especially pertinent these days

Tell me, Are you free?
Tell me, Are you free
In word or thought or deed?
Tell me, Are you free
While the gallows stand?

And bullets lance the bravest lungs
Will I fold my hands or hold my tongue?
Or let the flames lick at my feet?
Or breathe in fire and know I'm free?

The album that song is from is amazing. It was an experimental album with each "book" of the album being dedicated to one of the elements (Water, Fire, Air and Earth).

This is the song "Silver Wings"

From tender years you took me for granted
But still I deigned to wander through your lungs
While you were sleeping soundly in your bed
Your drapes were silver wings; your shutters flung

I drew the poison from the summer's sting
And eased the fire out of your fevered skin
I moved in you and stirred your soul to sing
And if you'd let me, I would move again

I've danced 'tween sunlit strands of lover's hair
Helped form the final words before your death
I've pitied you and plied your sails with air
Gave blessing when you rose upon my breath

And after all of this, I am amazed
That I am cursed far more than I am praised

Stylistically, this song shares certain things in common with the final song on every other disc of The Alchemy Index. They are sonnets, their lyrics are all written in iambic pentameter, and their final two lines share the same melody (albeit in different keys). These four songs are “The Flame Deluge”, “Kings Upon The Main”, “Silver Wings”, and “Child of Dust”. Kensrue said, “Each sonnet is written from the point of view of the personified element, speaking to mankind, and lamenting our various failings.”

What's also amazing about that album is the range of musical styles on display.

"Backdraft" and "Messenger" from the book of fire are hard/heavy rock.
"Digital Sea" and "The Whaler" from the book of water have a much more laid back and electronic style.
"Digging My Own Grave" is reminiscent of a song you'd hear in a smoky lounge while "The Lion and the Wolf" plays more like a nursery rhyme, both being from the book of earth.

And one of my favorite one two punches on any album goes to "A Song for Milly Michaelson" and "Daedalus". What I love about A Song for Milly is the simplicity of the words used to convey such a strong message. Much like Eric Clapton's "You Look Wonderful Tonight." Finally, "Daedalus" one of my all time favorite songs, not just lyrically but also musically. I actually named my cat Icarus because of this song. Both of these are on the book of air.

I love how at the 2:40 mark the guitar riff actually makes you picture Icarus falling back down to earth.



tl;dr
Dustin Kensrue is the best lyricist of our time
Listen to the entire Alchemy Index if you're not a giant phaggot

I never listened that much Thrice but every time I do I feel like I should listen to them more often, lol.

Great lyricist and dealing with deep issues.

Seem them live 4 times thru festivals.

Originally Posted by MrBourbon

I never listened that much Thrice but every time I do I feel like I should listen to them more often, lol.

Great lyricist and dealing with deep issues.

Seem them live 4 times thru festivals.

I've seen them at least 6 times now. I see them any time they are within a state or two's distance. Listen to the Alchemy Index, you won't be disappointed. Then listen to Vhiessu and work your way forward.

Thrice and Periphery are tied in my number one spot.

Originally Posted by AvengeMe

I've seen them at least 6 times now. I see them any time they are within a state or two's distance. Listen to the Alchemy Index, you won't be disappointed. Then listen to Vhiessu and work your way forward.

Thrice and Periphery are tied in my number one spot.

Vhiessu is the album I've listened to. Only that plus the well known songs. Great album srs. The Earth Will Shake is a deep and moving song.