What makes Palms by Thrice notable?

Palms debuted at number 16 on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing Thrice's continued relevance in the rock genre. The album received positive reviews from critics, highlighting its introspective themes and sonic maturity, thus reinforcing Thrice's position as influential figures in alternative rock and post-hardcore scenes. Released in 2018, Palms is Thrice's ninth studio album and marks their first release after a brief hiatus following their 2016 album, To Be Everywhere Is to Be Nowhere. This album comes during a phase of artistic exploration, reflecting the band's evolution while maintaining their signature sound. The band sought to create a more melodic and atmospheric approach compared to their earlier work.

Palms works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective journeys, atmospheric soundscapes for introspection and existential themes for deep thinking.

How many songs are on Palms?

Palms has 10 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Palms

Thrice · 2018

40 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A lush soundscape intertwines atmospheric melodies with introspective lyrics, creating an immersive listening experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Only Us — The opening track establishes the album's reflective tone with haunting melodies and evocative lyrics about connection and existence.
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The Grey — This track combines intricate instrumentation with poignant lyrics, encapsulating the struggle between hope and despair that permeates the album.
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Blood on Blood — As one of the more anthemic tracks, it showcases the band's ability to blend intensity with lyrical depth, making it a standout moment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks a cohesive narrative arc across its tracks.

What we noticed

The first three tracks build a gradual intensity, with layered instrumentation that peaks before the fourth track introduces a more subdued tone.
Several tracks feature dynamic shifts, alternating between quiet verses and explosive choruses, creating a sense of tension and release.
The album closes with a nearly six-minute track that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering atmosphere rather than a definitive ending.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective journeys
atmospheric soundscapes for introspection
existential themes for deep thinking
meditative moments with emotional depth

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, high-energy tracks
seek instant gratification from music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality after a hiatus, maintaining relevance in the rock genre.
Career context: Released in 2018, Palms is Thrice's ninth studio album and marks their first release after a brief hiatus following their 2016 album, To Be Everywhere Is to Be Nowhere. This album comes during a phase of artistic exploration, reflecting the band's evolution while maintaining their signature sound. The band sought to create a more melodic and atmospheric approach compared to their earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors: Brand New· Circa Survive· Deftones

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

The Dark

The narrator confronts their fears and anxieties directly through vivid imagery, illustrating a personal battle within themselves.

This moment highlights a significant shift in vulnerability, allowing listeners to engage with the emotional core of the song.