Thrice (Live in Camden, London, 26th August 2010)

Wow!  I am so impressed with Thrice.  They're definately in my top 3 bands I have seen live.  They had potent stage presence and Dustin Kensrue just commands respect from that stage.  He has a monsterous voice and there is something soulful about the whole set of Thrice.

On the night I get to see them live for the 1st time, Dustin comments: "I heard there are some South Africans in the house?" (that may be due to him being interviewed by a fellow South African for a local music mag earlier that evening) and me and the few others in the crowd raised our hands and cheered enthusiastically and Dustin chuckles in reply: "All fourteen of you."

I was wondering if the people in the audience know the roots of the lyrics to many of Thrice's songs.  Dustin Kensrue being a Christian writes some potent thoughtful lyrics and I can't help but wonder if those words convict the hearts of those who listen and unendlessly scream/sing along with the band.

It was moving to see the crowd sing along in anthem harmony to "Come all you who are weary" which is based on Matthew 11: 28 - 30:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

 I have been so impressed with the English culture and their knowledge and passion for music over the past year.  As Thrice rocked throughout their set including songs like: Artist in the Ambulance, The Messenger (based on Isaiah 6 - compare their lyrics and scripture and you will agree with me), All the world is mad, in Exile, The Weight and the ever popular Image of the Invisible it's phenomenal to look around and see everyone singing along seemingly word for word.

Another cool part of the evening is that as Thrice took to stage I was so impressed with how empty it was around the bar.  No one was ordering drinks... as this incredible band exploded on stage everyone congregated around as they thoroughly entertained us!

 The show was concluded with their title track of their latest album, Beggars:

"All you champions of science and rulers of men
Can you summon the sun from it's sleep?
Does the earth seek your council on how fast to spin?
Can you shut up the gates of the deep?
Don't you know that all things hang as if on a string over darkness, poised to fall?
If there's one thing I know in this life, we are beggars all"

 I was stoked that I got to witness this rocking spectacle!

(see the attached label for more on Thrice)