Thrice at Koko

Celebrating the release of their eighth studio album To Be Everywhere is to Be Nowhere, the Californian post-hardcore band Thrice gave the sold-out Koko, London an unforgettable performance.

The atmosphere was palpable – by cheers alone the four-piece would be satisfied – but as the music began, all quantifiable delineation was forfeited within the smoke, thunderous lighting and the swift movements from bass guitarist Eddie Breckenridge and frontman Dustin Kensrue; in simpler terms, Thrice were visually compelling to say the least.

The hardcore quartet began with the track Hurricane from their latest record To Be Everywhere is to Be Nowhere, a crowd favourite. The song blends on beat percussion and heavily distorted guitar with canorous counter melody on lead guitar. After playing Black Honey from the same album, which exuded cheers and a spontaneous eruption of clapping, Thrice fans were smitten; this show was not so much an exhibition of one band’s greatness, but a declaration that this force musicale has been a landmark for a decade, and the inspiration of a generation.

The challenge is knowing which songs to expect from eight albums worth of music, which means when Thrice did delve into the backrooms of their discography, the thrilled crowd payed respect in the only way they knew how: more cheers, more frequently. A highlight was Red Sky off of Vheissu, a record known for breaking the grunge tradition and incorporating euphoric sounds from keyboard into the music. This said music, when amalgamated with the unique and complex stage lighting, also blended the celestial with the corporeal. Although guaranteed a standing ovation (because everybody was standing) Thrice were deserving of it, their unfaltering energy from beginning to end left a stark memory in the hearts of all those at Koko, London.

Bill Kacir
Photos: Erol Birsen

For further information about Thrice and future events visit here.

 Watch the video for Black Honey here: