Meant to be a memento of Thrice’s Farewell Tour, ‘Anthology’ is a 24-track depiction of the band’s 13-year career. The band’s set list for this tour was made with the help of input by fans, and live audio recorded at various stops on the tour, creating a true collector’s release. ‘Anthology’ is available in all formats, digitally, two CD’s, or a four-piece LP box set, and is really a comprehensive, raw compilation of a long, successful career.
The tracks on this album don’t really sound live in the best way possible, probably because we’re used to hearing live music either in person, getting blasted by the speakers and pushed around by crazy fans, or through a low-quality video online. The sound is crisp, clean, and near perfect. This album wasn’t cleaned up, and the slight imperfections you might detect in lead vocalist Dustin Kensrue’s voice only serves to remind you that he is human.
However, you do get the live quality with applause before and after each song, with some chatter with the fans (like on ‘Silhouette’) and introductions into songs. The most “live” feeling track is their breakout song ‘The Artist and the Ambulance’ from the same-titled album from 2003. The audience sings along, and there is this certain energy that a studio recorded song just doesn’t have. The obvious passion Thrice has for playing for their fans truly shines through here.
From beginning to end, it does feel like a live concert. The set list was crafted to mix up albums and moments from their career, with the emotional and passionate tracks and the heavy, technical songs arranged perfectly, like with ‘Red Sky’ and ‘Deadbolt’.
‘Anthology’ is an album for fans. It’s a niche release, not meant to gain followers or popularity. There’s nothing new, so this is perfect for a band with a strong following, but it may be difficult for newcomers to enjoy this release. But that’s not really the point. Thrice has so much experience, have grown so much throughout their 13 years together, and their level of musicianship is hard to match. This keepsake-style release is the earmark of a band with a cult-like following, and the simple fact that they can release such a high-quality live album shows their talent. Fans will be able to hold on to ‘Anthology’ throughout Thrice’s hiatus, however long that may be.
4/5
‘Anthology’ by Thrice is out now on Staple Records.
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Words by Jenny Gagas (@Jenny_herself)
