Dustin Kensrue: A Sacrificial Fire

Dustin Kensrue w/ David Ramirez and The Rocketboys
Chop Suey, Seattle, WA
05.30.15

It only took eight years for Dustin Kensrue to follow-up his first solo record Please Come Home with his newest release Carry the Fire, but after last week’s sold out live show at Chop Suey in Seattle, it appears to have been worth it. While Kensrue – also the lead singer of post-hardcore band Thrice – certainly didn’t ever disappear, he did take a slight detour. Over the last few years, his solo music has focused on his Christian worship and ministry, themes that have never been buried too deeply in his music.

With Carry the Fire, Kensrue brings back the sounds of his debut, albeit with cleaner production and a bit more bounce. His energy on stage perfectly mirrors that of the music: ambitious and enthusiastic with a side of gravelly introspection. Plus he squeezed in a gorgeous acoustic rendition of Thrice’s A Song for Milly Michaelson that had the crowd singing every word. The crowd was mixed with folks clearly of the Thrice predilection and those who are more familiar with his folksy alt-rock, and Kensrue delivered on all counts.

Backed by openers The Rocketboys, his set took on a bigger feel. Once they hit “Pistol” he had everyone in the palm of his hand. For “Consider the Ravens” the band departed, and he further encouraged the crowd to sing along, not that they needed it. His signature gruff voice, when full and soaring, can rip hearts out with the best of them.

Pick up the album or find a show here.

Dustin Kensrue Set List:
Ruby
Back to Back
I Knew You Before
Pistol
Of Crows and Crowns
Death or Glory
Consider the Ravens
A Song for Milly Michaelson
There’s Something Dark
Blood & Wine
Please Come Home
Buzzcut Season
It’s Not Enough
Gallows
In The Darkness
What Beautiful Things
Blanket of Ghosts
Carry The Fire