Thursday - "Full Collapse" (Victory)

Victory Records continues to diversify the music found in their catalog with the release of Thursday's album, "Full Collapse." The New Jersey quintet's second album is a 12 track endeavor into the heart and soul of lead singer Geoff Rickly. Don't let the fact that this album is coming from Victory Records fool you. "Full Collapse" is pure emo.

Throughout the years, Thursday has made a name for themselves on the East Coast by playing shows with At The Drive In, Boy Sets Fire, and Hot Water Music. These influences can be heard on "Full Collapse," especially that of At The Drive In. The first track, 'Understanding In A Car Crash,' one of the album's highlights, has a tempo and rhythm that immediately brings At The Drive In to mind.

The thing that makes Thursday so good though is that they have taken their influences, fused them with their own originality, and created an album that it truly their own. I can't think of any other words except "beautiful" or "peaceful" to describe "Full Collapse." Guitarists Tom Keeley and Steve Pedulla wrote incredible guitar melodies on this album, but also use hard-edged riffs to keep each song fresh. Vocalist Geoff Rickly can truly be called a singer, as he belts his heart out on every song. Most of the vocals on this album are sung, but the occasional scream does find its way into some tracks.

Overall, I was taken by surprise by "Full Collapse." As someone who has never really liked emo, I never expected to enjoy this album. In fact, on the first few listens I really didn't. This album grew on me really fast though, and now I can honestly say that I have found an emo band I like. If you want to hear an album with more happiness then aggression, more singing then screaming, and more emotion then grunting, check this out. I think you'll like it.

Look for Thursday on tour until the end of 2001 and into the new year. A video will also be released.

Reviewed by: David Benson