Review by Allan on November 27, 2002.

Every record label needs some sort of an oddball band in their roster, and for Peaceville Records, Thine is their oddball. While Peaceville focuses on metal for the most part, Thine offer up melancholic rock. While the genre is completely flooded with derivatives of a derivative, it’s hard to not give Thine credit for doing what they do well, while still holding the identity that is much needed.

From the front cover of “In Therapy”, I could have sworn that this was some lost chronicle from the Moby sessions, but there was something menacing about the cover that caused me to think again. Upon listening to Thine’s follow-up to their debut album “A Town Like This”, I immediately noticed that they had an Anathema influence trailing behind them. I quickly put that behind me however, and as time went on, I noticed that Thine do bring with them something that you can identify only them by.

Thine offer you what most bands don’t – an album that is surprisingly honest in sound, and down to earth in character. Listening to it felt like listening to somebody’s life story in a sense, like Thine have nothing to hide from you. Each song has qualities that separate them from each other, in both mood and the make up of the riffs, drums, etc. It’s great to surprisingly come across a section that has a slight hint of newer Katatonia, then something that reminds you of U2. Throughout the influences, Thine still manage not to sound exactly like any of them.

Between all five of the members, only vocalist Alan Gaunt disappoints. I’m not disputing whether or not his vocals are well done, it’s only that his range, and moreover his tone, is somewhat limited, and thus doesn’t help out greatly when it comes to melodies. The guitars, however, are the backbone of the catchy melodies that are all over this album. They’re extremely well done, both the rhythm and the lead. When listening closely you also notice that there is some small detail that can be caught.

Lastly, I’m glad that Thine have made it a point to improve their abilities since “A Town Like This”, and it’s readily noticeable.

Bottom Line: On “In Therapy” Thine present an album that most people will be able to find comfort in, offering music that the listener will be able to identify with, whilst still holding a creative edge.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8
Originality: 8
Overall: 8

Rating: 8.2 out of 10