Thrice

Dustin Kensrue

Dustin Kensrue of Thrice at Playstation Theater, NYC 2016

Thrice is an American rock band formed in Irvine, California in 1998. The group was founded by guitarist/vocalist Dustin Kensrue and guitarist Teppei Teranishi while they were in high school. Early in their career, Thrice was known for fast, hard music based in heavily distorted guitars, prominent lead guitar lines, and frequent changes in complex time signatures. This style is particularly evident on their second album, The Illusion of Safety (2002), and third album, The Artist in the Ambulance (2003). Over time, Thrice's music has evolved to incorporate a broad range of genres, including post-hardcore, experimental rock, and electronic music, with later albums such as Vheissu (2005), Beggars (2009), and Palms (2018) showcasing this diversity.

History

Formation and Early Years

Thrice was formed in 1998 by high school friends Dustin Kensrue and Teppei Teranishi. They quickly recruited Eddie Breckenridge to play bass and Riley Breckenridge, Eddie's brother, to play drums, completing the band's lineup. The band started by playing local shows and recording demos, which led to their first official release, the Identity Crisis album in 2000.

Rise to Prominence

With the release of The Illusion of Safety in 2002, Thrice began to gain a significant following. The album's blend of hardcore punk and melodic hardcore, combined with technical musicianship, caught the attention of both fans and critics. Their next album, The Artist in the Ambulance, released in 2003, continued this trend and was a commercial success, leading to increased exposure for the band.

Musical Evolution

In 2005, Thrice released Vheissu, an album that marked a significant departure from their earlier sound. Incorporating elements of post-rock, electronic music, and experimental rock, Vheissu showcased the band's willingness to explore new musical territories. This trend continued with subsequent releases, including the ambitious The Alchemy Index Vols. I & II and The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV, which were released in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Each volume of The Alchemy Index explores different musical styles, representing the classical elements of fire, water, air, and earth.

Hiatus and Return

In 2012, Thrice announced they would be taking an indefinite hiatus following their farewell tour. During this period, members of the band pursued various personal and professional interests. However, in 2015, Thrice announced their return and released a new album, To Be Everywhere Is to Be Nowhere, in 2016. The album was well-received and marked a return to the band's rock roots while still incorporating elements of their experimental and electronic influences.

Musical Style and Influences

Thrice's music is characterized by its diversity, complexity, and the integration of various genres. The band's early work is noted for its blend of hardcore punk and melodic hardcore, while their later work incorporates post-hardcore, experimental rock, and electronic music. Thrice has cited a wide range of influences, including Fugazi, Radiohead, and The Beatles, which is reflected in their eclectic sound.

Band Members

• Dustin Kensrue – lead vocals, guitar
• Teppei Teranishi – guitar, keyboards
• Eddie Breckenridge – bass
• Riley Breckenridge – drums

Discography

• Identity Crisis (2000)
• The Illusion of Safety (2002)
• The Artist in the Ambulance (2003)
• Vheissu (2005)
• The Alchemy Index Vols. I & II (2007)
• The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV (2008)
• Beggars (2009)
• Major/Minor (2011)
• To Be Everywhere Is to Be Nowhere (2016)
• Palms (2018)
• Horizons/East (2021)

Legacy

Thrice is regarded as one of the most innovative and versatile bands in the modern rock scene. Their willingness to experiment with different sounds and genres has earned them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. The band's influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary rock and post-hardcore bands.