Thursday – “Application For Release From The Dream”

Photo by Jessica Yurko

The life-giving darkness. A rapture from inner turmoil. That uncanny dramatic flair of post-hardcore theatrics. At one point in time, Thursday frontman Geoff Rickly sang out the words, “I don’t want to feel this way forever.” Though it may have been a survival statement from the start, the legacy he and the Jersey rockers have left in their wake has held listeners desiring otherwise. While the band has made the most of their reunion in the live form, “Application For Release From The Dream” finally brings Thursday back to us beyond the nostalgia point, as their first new song in 13 years ushers in a next chapter in a career defined by survivalism, now more malleable and defined by whatever rules they see fit as a breathing hardcore art organism in a corroding music industry complex. The fire still burns just as heavy. Rickly’s heart calls out for angels as the current iteration of the band — now featuring Texas Is the Reason’s Norman Bannon alongside guitarists Steve Padulla, drummer Tucker Rule, and bassist Tim Payne — conquers towering atmospheres and crosses cataclysmic screamo thresholds. “What is light? / A spark / What is life? / A moment / What’s the future? / A spark / How long is time? / A moment.” In this one, Thursday are making theirs last forever.

Thursday’s “Applications For Release From The Dream” single is available now.