The Alchemy Index, Vol. III & IV: Air and Earth
by Thrice
  • Record Label: Vagrant
  • Release Date: Apr 15, 2008
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Q Magazine
    80
    This second installment is immaculate, an artful, emotional tour de force that underlines their "American rock's Radiohead" status. [May 2008, p.130]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Sputnikmusic
    80
    Air is a masterpiece of production and gives the best few tracks from the entire collection. Earth is a cool-down lap after the more developmental and progressive preceding discs, showing a Thrice that is willing to trade in all that has made them great during their niche period (1999-2004) in favor of pursuing a less challenging but equally viable sound
  3. Alternative Press
    70
    Alone, Air and Earth are the weakest of the EPs, but taken as a whole, Thrice have managed to convert an ultra-abstract concept into a cohesive and innovative collection. [May 2008, p.143]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Billboard
    70
    For The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV: Air & Earth, the material is appropriately lofty to represent the former element but surprisingly sparse for the latter.
  6. PopMatters
    70
    The first disc is more guitar-centric, whereas the second part relies more on keyboards. But no matter the style, all of these songs hold together well.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 30
  3. Negative: 2 out of 30
  1. Azasinner
    Dec 5, 2011
    10
    One of the best albums ever made; The air index feels just like it should, easy to the ears, light, smooth. But the album glows in the earthOne of the best albums ever made; The air index feels just like it should, easy to the ears, light, smooth. But the album glows in the earth index; It feels downright gritty and dirty but manages to sound plain beautiful, just like a diamond in the rough. This album captures the sound of the elements and my heart as a music lover.… Full Review »
  2. j30
    Sep 28, 2011
    6
    Maybe a little too ambitious and all over the place. I respect what they're trying to do, but as a first time listener it's really hard to getMaybe a little too ambitious and all over the place. I respect what they're trying to do, but as a first time listener it's really hard to get into. I look forward to what they release next.… Full Review »
  3. zachc
    Nov 23, 2008
    9
    Thrice's divergence into this more progressive direction has worked from day one. Credit not only their amazing musicianship but also Thrice's divergence into this more progressive direction has worked from day one. Credit not only their amazing musicianship but also their refusal to compromise. Air & Earth don't necessarily better the first two volumes but are equally successful in that they masterfully capture the essence of the featured elements. Earth is a rootsy discourse in blues and some pretty unique string arrangements. Between the two volumes, Dustin truly shines on songs like 'moving mountains' and the beautiful 'come all you weary'. This is bare-bones Thrice. Air, by comparison, is truly ethereal in its delivery. The weightlessness of some of the songs is truly a marvel. 'Daedalus' for instance (in my opinion) could be the most triumphant song they've yet written - the whole band not only soars, they go straight for your heart strings. Beautiful album, through and through and yet another benchmark in Thrice's trek toward the kingdom of modern music's most talented.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »