The posters littered the campus almost a full month before: “An exclusive show with Thrice 12/9/08.”
I couldn’t believe my eyes. One of my favorite bands playing just for Biola? That’s the perfect night. I quickly secured my tickets and the wait began.
I came to the show on Tuesday expecting a stellar performance from one of my favorite bands. I had seen Thrice a few times before, so I thought I knew what to expect. I hoped for a set that would shake me to my core and a light show that would leave me bedazzled and in awe. Thrice delivered.
With high expectations, hundreds of Biolans, went to the House of Blues in Anaheim. After waiting in line I rushed to the front of the venue to ensure I had a good view. There wasn’t a chance I was going to get stuck in the back.
Local band Aushua (produced by Thrice’s Teppei Teranishi) opened the night with a few songs from their EP “No Harm Done.” I was impressed by their composure and sound. It will be interesting to watch this local band grow and I’m eager to see what their future holds.
The curtain closed and after a brief set change, reopened. Northern, a band familiar to Biola, was occupying the stage. Years ago they were just breaking out in Southern California. They have been playing at Biola for years now and received a warm welcome from the Biola community. Northern’s set included several songs that incorporated the piano, tambourine and a string section comprised of Biola students. Biola’s own senior Dave Martina composed the string arrangement, which will be on Northern’s upcoming album.
After Northern’s set the curtains once again came to close. My wait was almost over. Everyone around was talking about which songs they wanted to hear. I don’t think any of us were expecting what was about to come next.
The curtains opened and Thrice was up on the stage. Teppei Teranishi plucked his guitar and the night was well on its way to becoming legendary. The lights and sounds overwhelmed me and I could not help but sing along and stomp my feet.
Thrice’s set list was definitely unique compared to the other times I had seen them. Instead of exclusively playing their new songs, Thrice played a set that reflected their eclectic style and 10-year history. Almost every album in their canon was represented. Longtime fans of the band were sure to have been satisfied with the set. Favorites such as Illusion of Safety and “Deadbolt” brought absolute chaos to the pit.
The highlight of the night for me was the cover of The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter.” I don’t think I have ever been so excited to hear a cover song in my life. They took liberties with the song and the payoff was huge. Being a lover of both The Beatles and Thrice, I was ecstatic.
In between songs, the lead singer, Dustin Kensrue, greeted Biola and talked about his history with the school. Kensrue attended Biola for a year and a half and would have continued his education, but as he said, he “had to rock ’n’ roll.”
After the set ended, the band left the stage. We weren’t quite done yet. We wanted more. A chant began to rise from the pit and even the balcony was cheering: “One more song! One more song! One more song!” We kept going until the band walked out and gave us more.
Although I’ve seen Thrice before, this time was certainly unique. Those who were not in attendance missed out on a rare look back into Thrice’s history. Fortunately for those who could not make it, the band is local and will be playing shows around here for a long time to come.
After the show I picked up Aushua’s ska CD (I already had Northern’s) and met the band at their table. I finished the evening off with a burger from Norm’s. That, combined with a stellar performance from one of my favorite bands, truly made for the perfect night.
