The Alchemy Index, Vols. I & II: Fire & Water

Thrice

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 16, 2007)
• Original Release Date: October 16, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Vagrant Records
• ASIN: B000VKJ6Q8
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (61 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #57,415 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From the Artist
"We're kind of doing something that's the opposite of what a producer is supposed to do on a record--which is make everything make sense and kind of fit together--whereas this project is all about taking things apart and pushing them one way," says Teranishi. "We really wanted to try doing things our way this time around, and make this record sound the way we want it to sound, not the way it's "supposed" to sound."

"From here, we can kind of go anywhere," Kensrue adds. "I don't think anyone really knows what will be next."

Product Description
This fall marks the release of the first two volumes of the series--Fire & Water--while Earth & Air are scheduled for a spring debut. For Thrice, it's the realization of a year-long process of writing and recording, which was done primarily in the band's own studio and engineered by guitarist Teppei Teranishi, without the assistance of an outside producer.

Thrice fans will likely find the thundering strains of Fire to be the most familiar of the four EPs, with the kind of blistering riffs and captivating melodies the band has built a career upon. From the opening bombast of "Firebreather" to the towering, unforgettable "Burn the Fleet," with its Elliot Smith meets Isis vibe, Fire exhibits a Thrice who still know how to punish with decibels, and with greater force and impact than ever before.

Water, on the other hand, offers some of the most subdued textures the band have explored to date, and makes extensive use of a palette of electronic sounds, particularly for rhythms and synthesized effects. Haunting and beautiful, Water is an aural aquatic voyage as serene as it is somber, with the shimmering bliss of "Open Water" naturally coexisting with the dark, moody "The Whaler" and the groundbreaking and evocative instrumental track, "Night Diving."

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterpiece!, October 16, 2007

By	P. Martin (RI, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

So, I have been listening to Thrice since "The Illusion of Safety" (2003) and I have had the privilege of watching this band progress to where they are today. I am not sure what the overall view of "Vhiessu" was, but I enjoyed it immensely and I found it quite refreshing that Thrice was willing to change their sound and become a TRUE progressive rock band.

When I heard about this project, The Alchemy Index, I was not sure how Dustin and the gang would manage to incorporate the elements, but I must say, these first two volumes are fantastic.

I will start off with "Volume 1: Fire"

Each track is fast-paced and it is a sort of "time-travel" experience. In that, I mean, the blaring guitars, the quickness of percussion and Dustin's voice; you would think you were listening to early Thrice. Each song on the first volume paints the picture of fire really well and I must say it is my favorite of the two volumes. My favorite track is "Burn the Fleet" but all six tracks are amazing.

Next we have "Volume 2: Water"

Again, Dustin and company does a great job at creating the mood of being out to sea. Each song is free-flowing, much like the element of water. The songs are calm and soothing like the open ocean and you feel like you are out in the Atlantic stranded and waiting for help. It is just an amazing piece of art, it really is. For those who like comparisons, this volume is closer to what "Vheissu" was.

This was a fantastic effort put forth by Thrice and they have outdone themselves. They have set the standard for beautiful music yet again. I'm excited for the following two volumes that come out in the spring. I am confident that Thrice will once again, set the bar EVEN higher.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Whats going on here??? OH NOES!!!! Its Genius people, Genius I Tell You, October 16, 2007

By	ChuckMoses - See all my reviews

This album is the direction Thrice needed to head, with the talent they have, weather you want to admit it or not. As much as some people might want to live back in 2002 with The Illusion of Safety, I'd much rather look to the future. Thrice actually shows its unique talent and diversity in being able to create two completly different soundscapes with Fire/Water. The classic Thrice elements are here, they have just taken them in a new direction. I can't understand people who live in the past and yearn for a rehash of the same album over and over again. Limp Bizkit anyone? In my opinion its a bands duty to evolve and get better over time, and constantly refine their sound. What if Radiohead never released OK Computer or Kid A and just released another The Bends or Pablo Honey? What if Porcupine Tree never released In Absentia? I think you get my point.

On to The Alchemy Index, Vols. 1-2. On the whole, an excellent excellent recording. What really impressed me when I first listened was that Thrice actually captured the essence of the Fire and Water elements on this record. Fire is harsh, britle and incendry. Dustins voice is more raspy than I've ever heard and its just feels like its going to burn into your skull. The Arsonist is an instant classic and has some of the best guitar work I've heard yet, its incredible. Choosing water to complement fire was nice because it has the complete opposite effect. Its has and almost trance like effect on you, listen to Open Water and you'll see what I mean. While Fire might burn into your skull, Water is incredibly beautiful and slow moving.

Hearing how Thrice captured the elements really impressed me, I'm interested to see how Air and Earth turn out, and if this is any indication, it will be great. As far as complaints go, there are a few tracks that are not as good as others but honestly, every album has its share of ups and downs. The downs of this album are minimal at best.

In conclusion, while Fire sounds great, I'd choose Water as the winner between the two. Its exceptional, even if your not a Thrice fan, there is alot to like on this album. Dustin Kensrue has one of my favorite voices and you get to hear both sides of his voice on The Alchemy Index, Vols 1-2. I honestly anticpated this album so much that I was afraid it would dissapoint me, but in the end it has not. Another steller album from Thrice.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ambition!, October 17, 2007

By	Kristian Perry "Kristian Perry" (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Now, I don't know what the normal Thrice fan is like. I'm into Isis, Red Sparrowes, Mastodon, and I'm also someone who thought that Artist In The Ambulance was waaaay heavier (and better) than Illusion of Safety...so that might make this review less useful for some fans.

These disks get better and better each time I listen. I feel this might be on its way to becoming my favorite. It took a few listens to get what Vhiessu was about, but before long, I realized how perfect that record was, and that it was my favorite of all their albums. I feel the same thing happening again. Fire is the blistering assault that should be pretty easier to digest for most Thrice fans. Water is more challenging for me, but it's really getting to me now. The Whaler and Kings On The Main, are blowing my mind. We'll see how it goes in a few weeks!

So, if you are ready to try something that is very different from their previous work, but still bears their stamp, I think you'll be rewarded. If that's not what you are after.....there is no doubt something else on the market for you to enjoy....

But seriously, buy this record. This is a band who is really forging ahead and doing amazing things. Buy it. Buy it. Buy it. It's very very good.

Cheers.