Thrice The Alchemy Index, Volumes I & II: Fire and Water Grade: A-

After leading the post-hardcore movement earlier this decade, Thrice revamped its sound with 2005's Vheissu, an experimental record of sorts. Now the band has extended its boundaries even further with The Alchemy Index, which is divided into four, six-song albums each with its own theme: Fire, Water, Earth, Air. The first two that have been released are Fire and Water, and Thrice has proven that its experimentation keeps improving.\nFor each element, Thrice has created a specific sound. On Fire, the band revisits some of its heavier moments, but not quite in the same vein as pre-Vheissu. Fire's opener "Firebreather" features ferocious baritone guitars that drive the track until it completely switches gears into gang vocals that cue into just how epic this project is.\n"Backdraft" is led by interesting guitar work laid over Dustin Kensrue's distorted vocals, which lead into an explosive chorus. The song changes directions in the bridge again, as Kensrue whispers, "Show me your jaded eyes / I will turn them red / Drunk with vivid flame."\nAs good as Fire is, Water is even better. The album has digital sounds and synthesized drums, elements Thrice has never before included in its music. "Digital Sea" is the most digital, and the synthesized drums paired with Kensrue's subdued voice are perfect for each other.\n"Open Water" is one of the best songs Thrice has ever done and certainly the best so far on Index. Kensrue dials down the vocals in the verses as the synthesized drums lead, but once the chorus begins, his vocals soar. It's haunting and beautiful at the same time, as he belts, "I'm starting to believe the ocean's much like you / Because it gives / And takes away." Thrice weaves thematic elements of fire and water in the tracks very well. Each song title and the lyrics relate to the theme, but they never get to a point where the band is trying too hard. Musical symbolism is apparent on both: Fire's tracks soar to a maximum point and spread, much like a fire; Water's songs drag on and flow as water would.\nThese records were a huge risk for Thrice, but the first half of Alchemy Index is a massive creative triumph. Spring will bring the other half, and only then will the entire project's impact be understood. The way it looks so far, though, is that Thrice has the correct formula for success.