Thursday's style has changed too much

The band is starting to ditch its emo roots.

By Kara Henderson

Published March 5, 2009

Among the countless bands on the music scene today with embarrassingly long or cutesy names (see: Forever the Sickest Kids, 3OH!3), Thursday stands as a shining example of a long-term favorite -- with a name that isn't embarrassing to put in a list of your favorites. On the scene since 1997, Thursday has put in a decade of hard time in an industry where it is all too easy to get lost in a sea of poppy hardcore groups. Their newest release, Common Existence, is their fifth full-length album. Ten years in, Thursday shows no signs of slowing down.

To be successful for such a long time, it is undoubtedly necessary for a band to change and experiment with their sound. Sometimes a few fans are lost along the way, but each change is indicative of a more versatile, experienced band. Thursday is famous for their ability to improve upon themselves with each new album. However, at this stage in their career, Thursday can't change much more without straying away completely from their roots, which seems to be the direction they are heading with the release of their new album.

The lyrics remain slightly dark and complex as they always are, but the most obvious (and maybe the worst) change that can be identified upon listening to the album is that Thursday is shying away from their former hardcore selves by throwing in a couple of softer, melodic tracks, which are rather awkward because, let's face it, that just isn't who they are.

The track "Circuits of Fever" is filled with vocals that don't have much of an effect. The thing that stands out most are the harmonized "ooh"s that left me question whether I was listening to the right album.

Most of the tracks still have the typical Thursday feel, but loud instrumentals covered by even louder vocals by front man Geoff Rickly are really hard to get past, even after multiple listens. The yelling that should signify some sort of important line or point in the song actually makes up the songs entirely, leaving a rather monotonous and emotionless result.

Sadly, the lyrics are lost in this battle for attention between the vocals, guitars and drums. The great message in the lyrics "Friends in the Armed Forces" is completely lost because of Rickly's barraging vocals. The rhythm is way off, and it's hard to get into the songs because everything seems to just be thrown together; there is not a trace of synchronization and nothing really catches hold of you.

We get it. You guys can change your sound. But don't alter a good thing too much, or you'll end up with an album like this: a mess. I can respect Thursday for being a consistent figure in their scene, but a name only goes so far. This album will definitely not be one of the most well regarded of the year, and fans will likely turn back to the band's 2003 release, War All The Time, for their fix.