The Omnibus

Issue date: 2/23/07 Section: Gallery

Please Come Home released Jan. 23. Kensrue has performed his songs on such shows as Jay Leno's "The Tonight Show" and David Letterman's "Late Show." Kensrue is the lead singer and guitarist of the band Thrice.

When the band Thrice comes to mind, I think of this post-hardcore band with screaming vocals, hard beating drums, thumping bass and distorted guitars. I think of this secular band with certain Christian-themed lyrics. But in no way do I think of acoustic folk rock. However, Dustin Kensrue, the lead singer and guitarist for Thrice, has recently released a solo album with just that sound entitled Please Come Home.
With an acoustic guitar, harmonica and simple soft drums, Kensrue's solo album is basically a polar opposite of Thrice's.
When Kensrue sings for Thrice he has this high register tone, with a little bit of a scream involved. But when I hit play on the new Kensrue CD I heard this lower register, bluesy voice, with just a hint of a growl. And instead of hard thumping drums, I heard a simple snare and high hat drumming softly in the background.
I will go as far as to say Dustin Kensrue's solo album is way better than anything Thrice has ever come out with. It is not just my personal taste in music that makes me say this, the quality in the song, deep theological lyrics and catchy melodies make me love Kensrue, himself, over his band.
Kensrue has inspired me with his amazing lyrics. Thrice was never really known for being a Christian band. With no Christian label and no real significant Christian lyrics, no one thinks otherwise. However, with songs like "Consider the Ravens" and "I Believe," no one questions Kensrue's faith. Thrice may not be Christian musicians lyrically, but their lead singer sure is.
Kensrue has been known for being an avid reader of C.S. Lewis' works, and while listening to his lyrics, it is safe to say Lewis was also an inspiration for some of the songs.
Although Lewis may have inspired the lyrics, we have Johnny Cash, Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen to blame for the overall sound.
So if you were never impressed with Thrice's sound, you are more likely to like Kensrue's. And if you did like Thrice, knowing that your favorite lead singer made this album will convince you to enjoy it.

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