Released: Sep 6, 2011
Genre: Alternative Rock, Post-Hardcore
Label: Vagrant
Number Of Tracks: 11
"Major/Minor" comes in with a louder, in your face album which delivers great intriguing moments that recalls "Vheissu", amazing relaxing moments and an album definetly worth the wait and every penny.
Major/Minor
Reviewed by:
falloutrecon3, on september 23, 2011 3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Sound: First of all, I have to say that this is my very first review so be indulgent. Second, this part will be quite long, courage folks.
Being a big, big Thrice fan since "Identity Crisis" (2001) I had, as many ohter fans, to enlarge my musical orientation during the progression of this band. I like to think of Thrice by 3 phases:
1-"First Impressions", "Identity Crisis", "Illusion Of Safety", "Artist In The Ambulance" and If we could only see us now (1999-2005) Being the Punk/Post-Hardcore one.
2-"Vheissu", "The Alchemy Index Fire & Water", "The Alchemy Index Air & Earth" (2005-2008) As the Experimental/Art Rock one.
3-"Beggars", "Major/Minor" (2009-2011...) Being the Folkish/Grunge Rock, mostly forgetting all their past hardcore influences.
For "Major/Minor", they came up with a more mature, evolved and catchy sound than any of their latest releases. As always, Thrice's sound is rageful yet groovy, heavy yer calm, perfect. Only bad thing about this album is that Teppei's vocals are almost absent on the entire album.
Let's see this song by song:
01. "Yellow Belly": This is the first song they've released officially from that record and is a great way to introduce you into the album's mood and sound.
The song comes in with a real nice yet simple guitar riff with a nice groovy and grunge sound. The best part: The epic outro that is a nice crowd singing one. Great song.
02. "Promises": This song in my top 5 from this album and maybe from all Thrice's work. The main riff has this catchy and groovy thing that just's been stuck in my head for like a week straight, which is a great thing IMO. The best part(s): The pre-choruses and choruses.
03. "Blinded": An athmospheric tune more than a catchy one, a first in this album. This song's mood is a little softer and less heavy than the two first. Great thing from this track, the drums are prety fast considering the other instruments/voices. The beat part(?) : This isn't really a part, but the entire drumming is sick. Less favorite on the album(nice one though).
04. "Catarcts": This groovy-egyptian toned son of a bitch is a beast. Everything in this song is catchy with some heavy parts and moody ones. In this one, the other brother Beckenbridge has quite an amazing bassline. One of the best on the entire album. The best part: The intro riff and the vide throughout the track. Beast of a track.
05. "Call It In The Air": Pure sound, simply amazing and relaxing intro. Thrice at their best, mixing heavy tones and relaxing parts. The vocals? Masterwork by Dustin into the choruses followed by one of the heavier moments of latest Thrice's work, that was my very first WOW moment in "Major/Minor" followed by my second one, the heavy and angry outro! The best part: the magnificent outro.
06. "Treading Paper": And there it goes, my third WOW moment, god they're on fire, the riff following the calm intro has a nice 70's vibe just like the entire song. All i could tell myself listening to this was this: ________________. Nothing. Cannot tell anything, simply amazing, again. The best part(s): The first riff following the relaxing intro and the intriguing guitar in the outro.
07. "Blur": Fastest, heaviest, Vheissuest(?) track on this album. What I like about this song? It recalls me my favorite album of all time, "Vheissu" (2005) by it's complexity and very intriguing second verse with amazing drumming as always. Enough said. The best part(s): The second verse, the choruses and the heavy outro riff that really comes out of nowhere, thanks.
08. "Words In The Water": I was scared of this title, it reminded me of the "Water" EP, which I loved, don't get me wrong, but a song like one on this EP could've ruin this entire album mood. The first ballad out of three in the effort. Great vibe, nice mood and some tiny heavier parts that just helps the song being more powerful than it is. This in the longest track on "Major/Minor". The best part(?): Not really a part but the lead, indie rock guitar on this track is simply amazing.
09. "Listen Through Me": Gotta love the instrumental during the verses. Gotta love the pre-choruses. Gotta love Thrice. The best part (?): The lyrics and the vibe.
10. "Anthology": Best song of the album hands down. All in this song feels like a masterpiece. Incerdibly catchy from the vocals to the guitars, great chemistry by the two brothers Riley and Ed Beckenbridge on the rythm section, amazing crowd singing parts, and one of the best guitar riff on the entire album, you'll know which one by listening to it! The best part: From 0:00 to 4:27 to be as cool as some young youtubers.
11. "Disarmed": I don't know if this is the new tradition for Thrice, but keeping and epic rock ballad to end a record remind me of "Vheissu" with "Red Sky" and of course, "Beggars" with the song, "Beggars"!.. Gotta appreciate the bass lines in this and of course all the melodies delivered by Dustin on the vocals and Teppei on the guitars. The best part: the 2:30 riff, not because it's the heavier on the track, but it is pretty darn good from that until the end!
Long, long... Ranch? No (sorry, have been playing "Zelda" all night). Long long sound review I know but I'm not sorry. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: I will shorten this one. The lyrics are, as always, amazingly true, honest, poetic and complex. Dustin is a genius writer and any fans know that. Well fans, you won't be disapointed by this record. Dustin sound more and more like a bear on each album and haven't use big auto-tune on this one and it is believable, I just watched the Red Bull Studio Livestream and it was awesome.
Lyrical masterwork on this album: "Anthology".
Dustin used lyrics from every album and almost every song they've ever recorded and did an amazing job putting all that together to write a song, not even talking about the band's history.
While Dustin's vocal work is impressive throughout "Major/Minor", we do miss the back vocal support from Teppei who's making only some single harmonies. Some fans may be disapointed to see there is no more hardcore shouts on the album, I'm not, Thrice aren't these Thrice anymore, get over it. // 9
Impression: In comparision with the other 3rd phase Thrice album, "Beggars", "Major/Minor" comes in with a louder, in your face album which delivers great intriguing moments that recalls "Vheissu", amazing relaxing moments and an album definetly worth the wait and every penny.
On a personnal note, my 3 favorite songs on this album are: "Promises", "Cataracts" and "Anthology". Those three tracks are a perfect summary of what the album is: A Groovy album with surprising moments followed by some heavy yet catchy moments and a nice indie vibe.
If this were stolen or lost (I must say that I got the Limited Vinyl Version), I would rebuy it at any price on Ebay or Craigslist because, it is simply perfect.
Major/Minor
Reviewed by:
CampbellZ929, on september 30, 2011 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: I can't think of a reason why Thrice shouldn't be my favorite band in the world right now. "Major/Minor" leaves next to nothing to be desired in a modern rock album. Everything that Thrice has done well in the past is present here in droves upon droves. While not being overly progressive in the vein of "The Alchemy Index" EP's, and seeming slightly more filled out than the unabashed minimalism of "Beggars", "Major/Minor" succeeds at being both raw and sonic and captures the sound of a band that has reached its summit. For those of you who simply can't hit the skip button past "Deadbolt", I apologize because this album may sail over your head. But for the rest of us, this album shows Thrice more focused and more centered than they've ever been. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrically, Dustin Kensrue is without equal. That's not to say he simply parrots SAT words one after the other but there's a careful, poetic quality to his words that seems to extend far beyond his years. As if that weren't enough, Kensrue puts forth a vocal effort that is both singular and powerful. On 'Disarmed' he croons and moves softly through watery moments while on "Blur" he manages to unleash some of the buzz-saw ferocity that helped put Thrice on the map years ago. While Kensrue is arguably the greatest (and a good candidate for most underrated) front man in modern rock, Kensrue never comes off as preening or superficial. There's a veritable gravity to his words and the emotion behind them that makes you realize he isn't just feigning profundity, he's truly found it. // 10
Impression: Teppei Teranishi has come a long way from post-hardcore shredding and he drives that point home on gems like "Treading Paper" and "Call It In The Air". His playing is calculated and is less about mach 3 soloing than crafting ambient, mood inducing leads. There's still fire there, though, and like Dustin Kensrue he isn't afraid to cut loose several times throughout the record. The same goes for the brothers Breckenridge who continue to put forth phenomenal work in the rhythm section. While Eddie is once again nothing the unsung hero out of the quartet, Riley delivers his greatest performance to date. He's no Danny Carey or Mike Portnoy and he doesn't need to be. He bends and curves Thrice's grooves seamlessly, never fighting more of the spotlight than what he absolutely needs. If "Major/Minor" is anything, it's a snap-shot of Thrice's greatest, most triumphant moments. In the song "Blur", Kensrue sings - "the shutter opens but never closes, I am lost/ Waylaid in light trails" If that's the case, then what an amazing light storm to get lost in". Even the weakest tracks carry more than enough weight - there are no throwaways on this album - which is important, because when you do arrive at the album's crown jewel, the flawless "Anthology", it makes it seem like an added bonus to an already rewarding listening experience. "Major/Minor" may not reinvent the wheel, but it does define the Thrice back-catalogue, which is impressive in and of itself. The darks and lights, the band's highs and lows throughout the years - it's all here, presented without bias. And maybe that's the beauty of Thrice, they've nothing to hide and nothing left to prove. This, simply, is as good a modern rock album as you will ever find. // 10
agreed! not at all easy to say this is their best, but I think it really might be. Loved thrice as long as i can know and always will. They never disappoint and have become one of the most mature bands sound wise throughout a career I've ever heard. Thank you again THRICE! damn!
Soon as I heard that they might be bringing back math-y rock element from their old stuffs. I thought it's gonna be Beggars mixed with heavier feel. I guessed I was right in some way. I'm glad Thrice kept going in their own way and not compromise what the fans wants. They grow up, move on and move out to new ideas and sounds.
I loved Vheissu, favourite album, I am quite upset that I am JUST hearing that theres a new ablum for the first time tonight. Gonna be a must buy for me, and I havent listened to a single track yet.
I loved Vheissu, favourite album, I am quite upset that I am JUST hearing that theres a new ablum for the first time tonight. Gonna be a must buy for me, and I havent listened to a single track yet.
Yeah they didn't really focused on the promo for this one, it is sad because this album is very catchy and groovy, the kinda sound you can hear on some radio stations. Unfortunately, they will always be seen as Thrice, a post-hardcore band because everybody knows Artist in the ambulance and not much know the following records...
not many albums nowadays are worth listening as a whole but this is an epic lyrical journey and musically a real masterpiece!
The thing with Trice is that they have changed much over the years but they always delivered good albums..
And this comes from someone who has been listening since the illusion of safety days when their songs made my youth just a little bit more epic
This album blew me away. I love all of Thrice's albums, but Beggars was a little too mellow for me. Major/Minor is Thrice at their best, IMO.
Not many bands can have a different sound each album while still sounding awesome like Thrice.
I wish I liked this album as much as everyone else. Dont get me wrong its a very good one, but I wouldnt call it a masterpeice. Maybe its just cause i'm always super critical of Thrice because theyre my favorite band
Dustin is one of the most underrated front men in rock today no doubt. But the glue in this band is Riley. IMO he IS THE MOST UNDERRATED DRUMMER IN ROCK. As a guitarist I don't know much about drumming and drummers but Riley is an incredible drummer. Can't wait to see them in one week Revolution Live Ft. Lauderdale!!
They were incredible once again at Revolution back in October. So sad to see them for perhaps the last time come May for the farewell tour. Excited for the set list though. The last 3 times I've seen them set list was basically the same. Last 2x they ended with Awake and avenge the dead which was unexpected the first time. The outro is epic. Teppei put one foot up on his stage monitor and delivered a mind blowing intro to one of the heaviest moments in the entire thrice discography to end those shows. The bright white lights were in sync with the fills in-between the heavy dropped tuning palm muting and put the crowd into a hypnotic frenzy.
Every time I see this band there seems to be some technical difficulties which is expected with the incredible variety they bring to the live shows. At the end of Dust of Nations Teppei's pedal board went out so we missed out on that...and it took a while to fix so they busted out "come all you weary" which is another favorite of mine.
We here in South Florida haven't heard anything really from the Alchemy Index minus Fire-breather and the messenger. Those two are pretty predictable followed by earth will shake since they use the Drop A tuning for the three songs. I WOULD LOVE to hear some more Alchemy Index Vol II water. I know there are the haters out there saying they want their skate punk post hardcore artist in the ambulance play as loud and heavy as you can stuff but I really dig digital sea and of course the whaler. Riley absolutely kills it on that song. It'd be nice to hear "sky is falling" which us south Floridians have yet to hear live or "digging my own grave"
My favorite moment from the Orlando show with Brand new that for some reason the temperature was at 55 degrees inside the venue was "Doublespeak" great song and very cool to see teppei doing double duty on the keys and guitar.
Another rare moment on the beggars tour at Revolution either DK or Teppei messed up the intro to all the world is mad and they had to start it over. Something I've never seen but cool to see them address that. Kind of took the energy out out but came back as the continued into "the weight" which I feel "promises" is kind of like the Volume II of that song.
Of course we have our drunk idiots down here screaming deadbolt which honestly would not make a difference to me if they played it or not. I prefer "kill me quickly" over deadbolt any day.
