Reviewed by Christian Cunningham

Well, here's a band who have kept us guessing what they will do next. After the groundbreaking 'The Alchemy Index' project signaled a huge change in style, 'Beggars' picks up largely where that left off, though without the digital intrusions and consisting of a more conventional set of instruments. Recorded in a home studio, there is a deliciously "live" feel to this album. Just strap on the headphones, sit back and listen to the piano-driven verse, spiky-rock chorused "Doublespeak", or "The Weight", with its funky, syncopating rhythms reminiscent of Verra Cruz. Lyrical themes explored include salvation, marriage and commitment and relationship breakdown, all in vocalist Dustin Kensrue's poetic style that seems to say so much more than the sum of his lyrics. This is an album that has a more upbeat, straight rock sound than its predecessor project, but still a million miles away from their earlier post-hardcore sound. Veering between Muse-like buzzing bass, dark chord changes and instantly memorable melodies on "All The World Is Mad" to Radiohead-like musing on "The Great Exchange", one thing is for certain; Thrice are master tunesmiths. Experimental guitar parts, innovative drumming, vocals that have that gravelly edge; it all leads to an intoxicating mix and an album that has layers and levels that will slowly reveal themselves through repeated listening.