Song: "Lost Continent"
Artist: Thrice
Album: "MySpace Transmissions" EP
Year: 2008
"Lost Continent" could have many meanings all wrapped into one. The most obvious being it's link with Atlantis, the "lost continent". It was a virtual utopia, just perfect in every way, but it's fate was sealed with the rising waters, basically drowning the island and all it's inhabitants. I think bigger picture, it's a warning to humanity about what could happen if you don't take care of each other and the environment. Life as we know it can be washed away as well, just like Atlantis. Also, if you know that lead singer, Dustin Kensrue, is very spiritual, the Biblical flood also can weigh into this song. "Lost Continent" originally appeared on Thrice's 2007 album "The Alchemy Index Vols. I & II". The version I chose to use is from the 2008 "MySpace Transmissions" EP. This song, plus all the songs on that EP, was recorded live and released exclusively through Itunes. Thrice formed as a band back in 1998, hailing from California. Kensrue and guitarist Teppei Teranishi formed the band when the two were still in high school. In 1999, the band self released "First Impressions", an EP that they basically sold out of the trunks of their cars. In 2000, Thrice released their debut album, "Identity Crisis" through Greenflag Records. In 2001, the band signed with Hopeless Records and released "The Illusion Of Safety" in 2002. This album allowed the band to embark on their very first headlining tour. In 2003, Thrice hooked on with major label, Island Records, and released "The Artist In The Ambulance". This album featured the singles "All That's Left" and "Stare At The Sun" and it's the album that really made the music world take notice of Thrice. In 2004, the band released the CD/DVD "If We Could Only See Us Now". This EP featured live recordings as well as some b-sides, including a ferocious version of The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby". As 2005 approached, Thrice began to veer away from their early hardcore punk/melodic punk roots and became much more experimental. They released the album "Vheissu" which featured the singles "Image Of The Invisible" and "Red Sky", the latter which was released as an EP and featured live tracks and two unreleased tracks. Kensrue's writing was definitely featuring some Biblical and spiritual themes at this point as well, foreshadowing what was to come later on. 2007 saw Thrice sign with Vagrant Records and release "The Alchemy Index Vols. I & II: Fire & Water". This album debuted at #24 on the Billboard 200 charts. In 2008, the band released "The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV: Earth & Air". Each volume of these albums focused on a different elements of nature. That very same year Thrice also released their very first live CD/DVD called "Live At The House Of Blues, which was recorded in Anaheim. 2009 saw the band release "Beggars". The band wanted this album to be more energetic and upbeat as they felt their previous few releases had a "sleepy" feeling to them. In 2011, "Major/Minor" was released, their eighth studio album. In 2012, Thrice announced that they were going on a hiatus but before they did they embarked on a farewell tour culminating in the release of "Anthology", which was a double disc live album spanning their entire career. Vocalist Dustin Kensrue began to focus on his spiritual studies and, in fact, became the worship leader at Mars Hill Church in Bellevue, WA, where he and his family moved. He would still release music, but it was worship music. Currently, the good news is that in a 2014 interview, Kensrue not only did not close the door on a Thrice reunion, he, in fact, stated the possiblility is very real. He talked of definite touring with the hope of creating new music as well. This is excellent news for any Thrice fan. Thrice, in my opinion, is one of the most important bands of the 2000's. Their songwriting and style made them stand out from the pack. They are a generous band, who has given proceeds from every one of their releases to various charities. I like a lot of bands, but Thrice may definitely be in my top 10!!
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