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Rating: If the Nobel for the most ingratiating and flashy band in the emo and related realms were to be awarded almost equally to Aiden and The Used, it becomes very difficult to elect a chapter as the genre's progenitor, especially considering the numerous secondary branches that have led to further confusion.
It is certain that, if entire specialized magazines, both in the field and not, read praises and significant certainties, even across different time frames, the doubt and curiosity to verify the facts personally arise. And I can confirm that the multitude of positive reviews on the Irvine combo are definitely agreeable. I don't know, in a possible ranking within its tag, what position the band would occupy, but the Three Times (this is the translation of the moniker) know how to do their job and in a decidedly original way, like few others.
A perfect mix of emo, punk, hardcore, and metal: that's what's inside "The Artist In The Ambulance." This is one of those few albums where the label emocore/hardcore is perfectly fitting and not misleading as it is for most bands to which it is "given." This is also the first album under the major Universal for the Californians and follows "The Illusion Of Safety" from the previous year. However, afterwards, following another breakthrough album in every sense, namely "Vheissu," the band would return to recording for an underground label.
Let's add that the album's content and the way Kensrue and company conceive music could provide significant insights and spark various discussions, themes, and many reflections on why Epitaph now produces From First To Last and I Am Ghost, why Good Riddance (historic act of '90 Californian punk hc) disbanded and the post-breakup declarations of their leader, why many melodic hc bands that emerged in the early '90s are in crisis and so on and the topics could continue, but I'll stop here to talk about music, since after all it's a review and not a forum.
Power, energy combined with speed and melody, that's the sum of the pieces in the opus. It ranges from splendid melodies such as that of the eponymous "The Artist In The Ambulance" with a tasty riffing to pieces that literally tear strings and pure violence "Paper Tigers" (this practically all in screaming from start to finish) with a decadent and dramatic mood, where the combo's darker and heavier soul and notable metal influences emerge and "Abolition Of Man." In these two tracks, Teranishi's guitar work shows that the guy is a great admirer of bands like Metallica and Pantera and grew up with them.
From the mood of the single "All that's left", one immediately intuits two things: that the guys are Californians and that they must have grown up, as they themselves declare, on bread and NOFX, as this is a pure piece of new school hc.
Perhaps we should add that the other single "Stare At The Sun" with its splendid rarefied atmospheres and calm, and a stunning hypnotic bass line that adorns it, is the only one that fits the ballad criteria on the album and perhaps the least suitable to reflect the decibels and illustrate well the contents of the platter. Since the other tracks are configured at higher power levels.
The opener "A Cold Cash And Colder Hearts" is a nice composition that blends powerful and fast parts well with a slower bridge like poetry with goosebump-inducing violin breaks and a more screamed finale, and the magnificent killer moon loaded with meanings of "Under A Killing Moon", "Blood Clots And Black Holes", and "Hoods On Peregrine" continue along this path with drums at a hundred per hour, granitic riffs, and melodic vocals alternated with screams, sometimes even continuous. There is also room for one last ride with its wide instrumental expanses namely "Don't Tell And We Won't Ask".
Let's say that perhaps a single piece is not up to the CD's level, but this does not undermine the great quality of this gem, which remains at high levels. In short, not all 12 pieces are at the same level, as is logical, but forget about the smell of plastic and the solid waste of The Used: our guys recycle like few others.
Usually, in my reviews, I love to analyze various aspects that go beyond mere judgment and subjective taste, like this is beautiful, this is boring, and this is too long-winded, to see beyond and provide other insights. In this case, let's calmly say that in terms of analyzing the band members, there would be many lines to fill.
After all, having Dustin Kensrue in your ranks, in this CD in great shape, considered by many to be one of the best singers around, having that very technical Japanese guitarist Teppei Teranishi, having a good bassist who weaves simply sublime bass lines among the best I've ever heard and a drummer who gives a remarkable acceleration and impact to the rhythm section, is something, to be sure. Thrice in terms of technique have a lot to sell, perhaps making more than one metal group turn pale.
We might want to act fancier and pretentious, maybe even I am uncertain, putting this substantive emocore (and it is clear that this is one of the few bands where one would not go wrong at all) and attaching it like a stamp that no longer comes off certain acts. But if we say that this is simply the hardcore of the 2000s and a further evolution compared to that of the '80s and '90s, to the face of those who see it in constant decline? No, we are not wrong at all.
An approach to the subject different from that of NOFX or Lagwagon, more varied, more sophisticated, more technical, perhaps more interesting, mixing the classic riffs of the punk genre overlaying them with significant screaming, as a complement to clean vocals, a splash of emo melody and ending with references in rhythm and guitar work traceable to various genres like heavy-metal, nu and metalcore and with that drums at a hundred per hour as a common and unstoppable denominator.
However, the album is not one that is assimilated on first listen, but after a careful listen, one cannot help but appreciate this masterpiece. The difficulty arises from a songwriting as dynamic as ever and sublime, with varied song structures that greatly increase its value.
Let's conclude with some curiosities. The name of the album derives from the social support function the artist and musician should have towards society. Part of the monetary proceeds from the sale of this and other Thrice albums, as always, goes to charity for various associations dealing with patients and care.
For all those who were disappointed by Lagwagon's latest, for all those who wanted to smash bottles in their genitals over Millencolin's pop/rock shift (and I include myself), for those who simply want to hear good music and possess an open mind, not conditioned by labels: "The Artist In The Ambulance" is for all of you. It deserves a chance.
Absolutely to discover.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 Cold Cash and Colder Hearts (02:53)
they are sick, they are poor
and they die by the thousands and we look away
they are wolves at the door
and they're not going to move us or get in our way
cause we don't have the time
here at the top of the world
feeling alright
here at the top of the world
we hold our own
by keeping our hearts cold
different god, darker skin
they are just not a burden that we'd like to bear
they are living in sin
there are so many reasons for us not to care
but i'm feeling alright
here at the top of the world
doing just fine
here at the top of the world
we've learned money matters most
so we keep our cards held close
here at the top of the world
we hold our own
by keeping our hearts cold
and we've learned what matters most
so we keep our hearts cold
they are no one
they are no where
they are not our problem
not worth saving
nonexistent if we keep our hearts cold
they are no one
they are no where
02 Under a Killing Moon (02:41)
The air my lungs first loved,
carves craters from my eyes.
They said "Breathe deeply son,
or be the next to die
Beneath the falling night,
and heaven's shutting gate.
Pray keep your tongue held tight,
or suffer the same fate.
The blood on our black gloves,
it is none of your concern.
you want to call our bluff,
get in line and wait your turn,
and watch the witches burn
Don't flinch when innocents,
are dancing with the flames.
If they wanted to live,
they'd learn to play the game.
You can still walk away,
if you just hold your tongue.
If you'd just walk away,
you'd live to see the sun but...
Under this killing moon,
under this burning sky.
The fire's shining groom,
I hold my breath and close my eyes.
The blood on our black gloves,
it is none of your concern.
you want to call our bluff,
get in line and wait your turn,
and watch the witches burn.
We'll watch the witches burn.
03 All That's Left (03:19)
one day the dreamers died within us
when all our answers never came
we hid the truth beneath our skin but
our shadows never looked the same
a ghost is all that's left
of everything we swore we never would forget
we tired to bleed the sickness
but we drained our hearts instead
we are the dead
and when we couldn't stop the bleeding
we held our hearts over the flame
we couldn't help but call it treason
after that we couldn't fill our frames
after that our shadows never looked the same
a ghost is all that's left
of everything we swore we never would forget
we tried to bleed the sickness
but we drained our hearts instead
we are the dead
in summers past we'd challenge fate
with higher pitch and perfect aim
and standing fast, we'd radiate
a light we loved but never named
but the answers never came
and our shadows never looked the same
a ghost is all that's left
of everything we swore we never would forget
we tried to bleed the sickness
but we drained our hearts instead
we are the dead
a ghost of everything we though but never said
we tried to bleed the sickness
but we drained our hearts instead
we are the ones who lost our faith
we dug ourselves an early grave
we are the dead, can we be saved?
04 Silhouette (03:08)
Your eyes, followed me here.
Your eyes, seamless and sure.
They leave me broken and, in need of a cure.
Your eyes, followed me here.
Your eyes, sifting my soul.
They leave me broken hands, those diamonds from the coal.
They lace me along,
Giving synapse of white lines.
Then chasing the dawn,
Story book syntax.
Your eyes slit the throat, of all I know.
About myself and this life.
Silhouette lies.
And your eyes, speaking in tongues.
Vigilant still, filling my lungs.
Testing my will.
They leave me broken and, bruised and bleeding.
Your eyes, resting in flame,
Leave me breathless again.
Like hydrogen spread on fault lines.
Or dead, kissing me with exposure to radon.
Your eyes slit the throat, of all I know.
About myself and this life.
Silhouette lies.
Your eyes, Your eyes.
Speaking in tongues.
Vigilant still, lead our way.
Filling my lungs.
Testing my will.
You slit the throat, of I know.
About myself and this life.
Silhouette Lies.
You slit my throat.
Because I know,
That this life, is a lie.
So slit my throat.
05 Stare at the Sun (03:23)
I sit here clutching useless lists
Keys for doors that don't exist
I crack my teeth on pearls
Tear into the history
Show me what it means to me in this world
Yeah in this world
'Cause I am due for a miracle
I'm waiting for a sign
Stare straight into the sun
And I won't close my eyes
Till I understand or go blind
I see the parts but not the whole
Study saints and scholars both
But no perfect plan unfurls
Do I trust my heart or just my mind
Why is truth so hard to find in this world
Yeah in this world
'Cause I am due for a miracle
I'm waiting for a sign
Stare straight into the sun
And I won't close my eyes
Untill i understand or go blind
I know that there's a point I missed
A shrine or stone I haven't kissed
A scar that never graced my wrist
A mirror that hasn't met my fist
But I can't help feeling like
I'm due for a miracle
I'm waiting for a sign
Stare straight into the sun
And I wont close my eyes
Due for a miracle
I'm waiting for a sign
Stare straight into the sun
And I wont close my eyes
06 Paper Tigers (04:00)
They preach to the choir,
always in the permanent daylight.
They toss paper tigers from their
perfect porcelain skylines.
Listen for the sound (for the sound, for the sound)
as it all comes crashing down. (crashing down, comes crashing down)
Listen for the sound (for the sound, for the sound)
as it all comes crashing down. (crashing down, comes crashing)
They preach to the choir,
always in the permanent daylight.
They toss paper tigers from their
shatterproof spires.
Light the world on fire
just to watch it burn.
It'll be their funeral pyre,
but they never seem to learn.
Light the world on fire
Just to watch it burn.
It'll be their funeral pyre,
but they never seem to learn.
Listen for the sound (for the sound, for the sound)
as it all comes (crashing down, comes crashing down)
Listen for the sound (for the sound, for the sound)
as it all comes (crashing down, comes crashing down)
We paid the price,
We paid for their crimes with our blood.
with our blood.
with our blood.
with our blood.
and our lives.
paid with our blood.
with our blood.
and our lives.
with our blood.
and our lives.
with our blood.
and our lives.
with our blood.
and our lives.
paid with our blood.
07 Hoods on Peregrine (03:31)
the blue light spills like oceans
we smile let it in
cures us of our questions
like hoods on peregrine
knowledge locked in a tower
barons will hold the key
but if knowledge is power
know this is tyranny
all were asking for
is what's ours
you think they're selling you truth
truth is they're selling you out
the black ink fuels our notions
that all the facts are in
it cures us of our questions
like hoods on peregrine
knowledge locked in a tower
barons will hold the key
but if knowledge is power
know this is tyranny
all we're asking for
all we're asking for
is what's ours
you think they're selling you truth
but they're just selling you
and if we keep buying in
the line between lies and truth
will wear paper thin
paper thin
you think they're selling you truth
truth is they're selling you out
08 The Melting Point of Wax (03:29)
I've waited for this moment
all my life and more
and now I see so clearly
what I could not see before
the time is now or never
and this chance won't come again
throw caution and myself into the wind
there's no promise of safety
with these secondhand wings
but I'm willing to find out
what impossible means
a leap of faith
parody of an angel
miles above the sea
I hear the voice of reason
screaming after me
you've flown far too high boy
now you're too close to the sun
soon your makeshift wings will come undone
but how will I know
limits from lies
if I never try
there's no promise of safety
with these secondhand wings
but I'm willing to find out
what impossible means
I climb through the heavens
on feathers and dreams
cause the melting point of wax
means nothing to me
nothing to me
nothing to me
I will touch the sun
or I will die trying
die trying
fly on these secondhand wings
I'm willing to find out
what impossible means
I climb though the heavens
on feathers and dreams
cause the melting point of wax
means nothing to me
nothing to me
it means nothing to me
miles above the sea
09 Blood Clots and Black Holes (02:50)
here's your new drug
shoot it in the left eye
feel it on the right side
no it's not love
though it sets up shop
behind your ribcage
building blood clots and black holes
like using an axe to pull
a sliver from your skin
and they say this is medicine
an overdose of oxygen
a severed head
as sedative
to be at peace would be a sin
and surely un-american
I'm breaking
here's your new blood
transfusion took us all night
tell us that your all right
no it's not love
though it feels that fire inside your vein
burning black beneath your wrist
begging for a razors kiss
to free it from your skin
and they say this is medicine
an overdose of oxygen
a severd head
as sedative
to be at peace would be a sin
its surely un-american
I'm breaking down
lift the veil
let the medicine in
and my heart fails
time and time again
10 The Artist in the Ambulance (03:39)
Late night, brakes lock, hear the tires squeal
Red light, can't stop so I spin the wheel
My world goes black before I feel an angel lift me up
And I open bloodshot eyes into fluorescent white
They flip the siren, hit the lights, close the doors and I am gone
Now I lay here owing my life to a stranger
And I realize that empty words are not enough
I'm left here with the question of just
What have I to show except the promises I never kept?
I lie here shaking on this bed, under the weight of my regrets
I hope that I will never let you down
I know that this can be more than just flashing lights and sound
Look around and you'll see that at times it feels like no one really cares
It gets me down but I'm still gonna try to do what's right, I know that there's
A difference between sleight of hand, and giving everything you have
There's a line drawn in the sand, I'm working up the will to cross it
I hope that I will never let you down
I know that this can be more than just flashing lights and sound
Rhetoric can't raise the dead
I'm sick of always talking when there's no change
Rhetoric can't raise the dead
I'm sick of empty words, let's lead and not follow
Late night, brakes lock, hear the tires squeal
Red light, can't stop so i spin the wheel
My world goes black before I feel an angel steal me from the
Greedy jaws of death and chance, and pull me in with steady hands
They've given me a second chance, the artist in the ambulance
I hope that I will never let you down
I know that this can be more than just flashing lights and sound
Can we pick you off the ground, more than flashing lights and sound
11 The Abolition of Man (02:45)
Wake up everyone
It's not too late
To save the remnants of
Our hearts stop giving up
Our last shattered love
Our only chance to find the meaning of
The beat beneath the blood
We laugh at honor and are shocked when
We find knives in our backs
We follow those who cheat and steal
Look in my eyes
You won't your way back
Our only cup is smashed under our own heels
Reason abandoned
To appitites and addicts arms
Shotguns in silence
Have always been the best arms
Wake up everyone
It's not too late
To save the remnants of
Out hearts
Stop giving up
Our last shot at love
Our only chance to find the meaning of
The beat beneath the blood
We laugh at honor and are shocked when
We find knives in our backs
We follow those who cheat and steal
Look in my eyes
You won't your way back
Our only cup is smashed under our own heels
The abolition of man is within the
The reach of science
but are we so far gone
that we'll try it?
12 Don't Tell and We Won't Ask (03:58)
paint the target
we don't need no evidence
flood the market
we do it all in self defense
you're a smart kid
never work without your gloves
if you're a smart kid
you'll stay the hell away from love
and if it comes to murder
don't tell and we won't ask you how
you sleep at night when the lights go out
and you're all alone
with all the ghosts of lesser humans
whose lives you've spilt to suit your own
sit and think of
all the dollars and the cents
and your blue blood
you'll see it all makes perfect sense
drink from this cup
a better life awaits us all
you're one of us
remember Conscience comes before the fall
your actions all are justified
your actions all are justified
and if it comes to murder
don't tell and we won't ask you how
you sleep at night when the lights go out
and you're all alone
with all the ghosts of lesser humans
whose lives you've spilt to suit your own
but don't we all know that this same red
don't we all know we bleed the same red blood?
13 Eclipse (03:22)
call everyone to arms
we'll fill the heavens
with the poisoned dreams of man
call everyone to arms
we forged these weapons
with the strength of our own hands
we shot the sun from the sky
apollo dead at our feet
we wander lost in the rye
we gather round in the street
for centuries we watched the sky
and burned to bridge the great divide
call everyone to arms
we'll fill the heavens
with the poisoned dreams of man
call everyone to arms
we forged these weapons
with the strength of our own hands
eclipse the body with stones
and lay him down with the rest
i smile when i am alone
and shed a tear for the press
for centuries we watched the sky
but now we burn with power and pride
cause we dug the body up
we drank his golden blood
and light shone from our eyes
but it was not enough
and we still dream of deicide
for centuries we watched the sky
we burned to bridge the great divide
but now we burn with power and pride
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