Thursday
(Epitaph)
After two albums on Island, New Jersey band Thursday is back on the
indie-label circuit. The group fell victim to the cuts at the major
label and seized the opportunity to sign with a company that would
allow it to more fully explore its political side. Common
Existence, the band’s fifth album, retains its hardcore-influenced
rock sound, allowing producer Dave Fridmann to roughen the edges more
than on previous records. The result is a raw, explosive collection of
11 tracks that don’t tiptoe around what the band wants them to be.
Frontman Geoff Rickly is admirably unapologetic as he yelps and
screams, giving the sense that he and his band made this record their
way. “Resuscitation of a Dead Man” is an apt opening track, setting the
tone with its surging guitars, urgent drums and guest vocals by Rise
Against singer Tim McIlrath. Thursday is clearly not a major-label
band, and that’s a compliment. — Emily Zemler
This article appears in Dec 17-23, 2008.
