Days before Thrice announced an official hiatus (duration currently undetermined), fans flocked to the House of Blues in Anaheim to enjoy what could now be a final performance. Orange County locals lead singer Dustin Kensrue, guitarist Teppei Teranishi, bassist Eddie Breckenridge and drummer Riley Breckenridge brought talent, excitement and pure rock into the packed venue.
The best way to describe their performance is undiluted, constant energy. From the strums of the electric guitars to the rumbling bass solos, the clashing of cymbals and thunderous vocals, it never quit. They kicked off the show with “Yellow Belly,” a favorite from “Beggars” (2009), which calmed the audience for a few moments. Breckenridge’s talent on the bass was really showcased, right from the beginning of the song as heads bobbed and fists pumped the air.
The energy really revved up when they started playing “All The World Is Mad,” one of the first tracks from their newest album. Strobe lights flashed into the audience in sync with the rhythm of the song as they raised their voices in unison with Kensrue, screaming out lyrics as they heard the song live for the first time. It’s hard to say what was more infectious, the beat of the drums or the enthusiasm of the audience. Most of the crowd knew the words by heart, sending a fresh wave of chaotic frenzy with each new song.
Thrice is known for the consistent development of their sound. Their newest album “Major/Minor” (2011) contrasts extremely from past albums such as “Vheissu” (2008) gradually transitioning from punk rock to hard metal to alternative and even acoustic sounds. The quality of each album is the same: excellent, but having such a variety of genres is difficult, given the wide fan base. However, the band didn’t forget their diehard fans—the ones who fell in love with their hard metal songs, the ones who have been with them since the beginning.
They ended with a satisfyingly deafening performance of “Anthology.” Each chord progression could be felt right down to the vibrations on the floor, the strobe lights blinding the audience as they sank into further euphoria, simply enjoying the precise riffs Teranishi brought and the endless roar of Kensrue’s vocals. During the encore they revved up an encore of “Phoenix Ignition” and “To Awake and Avenge the Dead.” Fans cheered frantically, immediately initiating a mosh pit, crowd surfing and a general rampage in appreciation of the throwback.
The House of Blues is an intimate venue, one that doesn’t have space for elaborate light shows or special effects. Thrice didn’t need the help as their talent and energy filled the space all by itself. Fans waited impatiently through the three opening acts (O Brother, Moving Mountains and La Dispute) half-heartedly applauding each band, making it clear that these folks were here to see one band, and one band alone.
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