Early look at a future mastermind!
I will admit, when I first bought this CD after listening to Full Collapse and War All The Time, I listened to the first few tracks and stopped, thinking it wasn't up to par to its predecessors. But, I made a mistake. I forced myself to listen to it all the way through since it's Thursday and they are my favorite band, and was blown away! Here is a young band now, even younger, showing their promise, and coming out with an amazing album. The emotion is just as intense and sincere in here as it is with all their other records. Highlights include the blistering Porcelain, the ode to an idol Ian Curtis, and the closing, spoken word ballad Where The Circle Ends. The whole CD is an early look at an emo rock frontrunner. Do not make the same mistake I did and only listen to part of the album based on its poor production. Listen to the whole album front to back and you won't be dissapointed like I wasn't. Production is not everything and it does come with time. You look at any great bands early records and their production won't be as good as later records. The production is the last thing you will think about as you listen to this amazing CD of songs that WILL get stuck in your head. All the songs are amazing and a must listen. A must buy as well. I love Thursday. They can do no wrong.
Thursday
"youth hasn't sounded this honest in years..." -- CMJ New Music MonthlyA little history;
This album was released on indie label Eyeball Records in 1999 and was the first full length from the NJ hardcore band Thursday.
First off, the line up had Bill (Henderson, if I'm not mistaking) rather than Steve on guitar. He helped write all the songs but This side of Brightness, and Dying in New Brunswick. He was also part of Thursday for about 90% of the writing on the follow up album Full Collapse. Bill is now in a band called The Procedure.
I don't really have much to add than what every other reviewer has said so far. It's a great first album. They were all pretty new to their instruments. Infact the drummer Tucker had started playing just for Thursday. Emotional well crafted lyrics, melodic music, what more do you need? The songs range from tragedy/death to a celebration of life. The album cover is beautiful too. This is the birth of a band who I think will be around kicking ass for a long time.
If you've never heard of Thursday before, I'd suggest you also check out Full Collapse, my favorite album of all times, and War All The Time their latest. (...)
A very solid first album
My friend is really into this band, but I wasn't that interested till I looked at their musical influences. I thought they had some good ones, so I decided to give them a chance. I really like this release. I've heard Full Collapse, Five Stories Falling, and War All The Time as well, and this album is my favorite out of all of them. Geoff is a very talented lyricist, and while the band can sound a bit same-y at times, I think overall, they're a talented band worth looking into, and I'd recommend this album.
Oh, and this is for a previous reviewer, Brandon from Nashville, TN USA: I don't know where you got your supposed information from, but Ian Curtis was the vocalist of highly influential post punk band Joy Division, whom committed suicide in 1980. Just clearing up any confusion.
Waiting
Porcelain -(5/5)- This song is very good, it took a few listens for me to really appreciate it. But I love the chorus and the vocals. The lyrics can really hit home too.
"When people die, they take a piece of us with them."
This Side of Brightness -(3/5)- This song is good, but I've just never fell in love with it yet, maybe I need to listen to it a few more times. It's just a good song, nothing that special happens.
Ian Curtis -(5/5)- I love this song. It's a little bit different than the other songs on the album, slighly more poppy I guess. The lyrics are deep and the ending is really cool.
Introduction -(no need for rating)- Just a nice introduction to the next song.
Streaks in the Sky -(5/5)- This is my favorite song on the CD. I love the sounds of the guitars with the drums and vocals. The chorus is really awesome.
In Transmission -(5/5)- This song starts off softer and then builds into a harder sound and slows back down. This is what I love about Thursday, they're so unpredictable.
Dying in New Brunswick -(4/5)- This is overall a great song, but it's nothing new to what's already been on the CD. And it is very similar to In Transmission, which is a better song.
Dotted Line -(4/5)- Again, nothing that special about this song, but it is still amazing.
Where the Circle Ends -(5/5)- A soft song where Geoff speaks the lyrics, I love this song and the lyrics are great.
Some people who maybe have only heard War All the Time or Full Collapse may not like this CD as much because it's not as well produced, ect. Or if you're a first time listener to Thursday this may not seem that great, I would recommend picking up Full Collapse or War All the Time first. However, this is a great album and after a few listens you'll fall in love with it. I'd highly recommend picking it up.
FME
Thursday is amazing and If you liked showoff check out chris from showoffs new band Farewell My Enemy at www.farewellmyenemy.com they are really f'n awesome.
Tom
