Post-hardcore outfit Thrice are currently working their way through Europe and the UK after the release of their latest album, Horizons/West. We caught up with Ed Breckenridge to discuss that and their ongoing longevity.
Hey, how’s it going?
We’re doing alright… I really love touring Europe and the UK and we were fortunate to make our way to Scandinavia for the first time in many years for the start of this tour.
How does it feel to be coming back to the UK?
It feels great. I love it here and I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and hopefully make some new ones along the way. Love exploring here too. Coffee shops, perhaps a skate park, and a pub or two.
Was your new album, Horizons/West, conceived at the same time as Horizons/East or was it more of an organic follow-up?
West was originally going to be something we did almost immediately after East, and some of the song ideas are from those same writing sessions like “Holding On” and “Undertow”, but we were a little bit burnt out after recording East and saw the 20th anniversary coming up for The Artist In The Ambulance. We figured it be best to give both the anniversary and West their proper due. I’m glad really glad we didn’t try and squeeze West in. It was helpful to have some space and give it a different feel from East.
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The band has continuously evolved and grown across your dozen albums. Has that been a deliberate choice or the band’s natural progression?
I think the only thing that is deliberate about how we write our music is to let our wandering inspiration guide us. We do not adhere to anyone else’s idea of what our band is or should be. It’s very natural but not necessarily easy. Since everyone writes songs/riffs/beats and concepts there is a lot of material to whittle down every writing process. There’s a lot of ideas that just don’t make it on the record even though they are totally great. Sometimes those ideas just don’t find a finish. But the process is very democratic and open and we trust each other to put their identity into each track. It makes for some wildly diverse records and songs. I also have to thank our listeners for supporting us exploring music with no rules. We’ve found ourselves in a really wonderful creative environment and it’s not lost on us that we ow,e that to those who support our work.
Has the songwriting process changed from your early days to now?
We are much better about cataloging and keeping or shared ideas orderly and labeled for ease of connecting parts ie tempos, key, time signature, etc. We used to just have most of our written music kinda floating around in our heads. We record original demos and share the process of the ideas as they develop now. It’s great really… sometimes two song ideas will just meld together or an idea will completely change course and then swing back to the original demo. We’ve gotten much better at communicating our feelings about stuff too.
You’ve spent some time revisiting your past with the 20th anniversary of both The Artist in the Ambulance and The Illusion of Safety. Has that informed the present?
I think it has for sure. Before revisiting those records and playing them live it was hard to remember all the things we did that we’re still proud of. It’s easy just to think of the parts that you would have done differently. As we were rehearsing and playing those songs live again I was pleasantly surprised with some of the more subtle weird melodic and technical ideas we had. It was also fun to play them with more feeling and swing. And I think that combo of intensity and feel is more present in West.
Although it was quite some time ago, what led to the band’s hiatus and how did it feel to reunite?
We went through some pretty rough years before that. Family members passing and years of extensive touring led to a lot of questions whether we were doing the right thing for our families and our futures. Although it was very difficult to accept the band stopping I think I/we are better for it. It was probably the most difficult time of my life but I also learned so much. Reuniting was a true blessing. I think it took time for us to feel it all out and get on the same page but again we are better for it. We are probably more united than ever. Communication is good, tour schedule is consistent but not overwhelming. Writing music feels great with these guys and we have so much creative energy coming out or us. I’m very happy with where we’re at now.
How have you managed to maintain the same line-up for this long as a band?
We are all super mellow. That helps for sure… and we’re also not in a position where we are seeking different goals for the band. No one is trying to be some big-time star or anything like that. Our artistic differences are complimentary and we recognise that. We use it, and make space for everyone’s input. It feels good to be a part of this band.
Other than getting to play for your fans every night, what’s one thing you love about touring?
Exploring, experiencing different cultures, arts, and foods. Making friends and being inspired by the bands we tour with. I love being home, but the balance of tour and home life makes you really appreciate both. I feel really fortunate to be in a situation where I can miss my home and miss the road.
What band do love who you think more people should know about?
Lysistrata 100%. They’re on tour with us now and I love watching them every night. Their records are great and they are a killer live band. I have their songs stuck in my head all day, and I’m not mad.
What has the band got planned for the rest of 2026?
We have a bunch of touring coming up for the year. We’re doing all of the Warped tour dates, and some shows supporting Jimmy Eat World and a Halloween show at the Hollywood Bowl with My Chemical Romance. Also a few things we can share just yet.
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Header image by Atiba Jefferson
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