Thursday's Victory Records debut is a captivating demonstration of unadulterated emotion being expressed through the form of music. Combining the lush harmonics of Sense Field with the aggression of Glassjaw and the occasional fiery outburst ala At The Drive-In, this youthful New Jersey based five piece release a delicate, yet empowering sound, brimming with intelligence and integrity.

Band frontman Geoff's richly warm vocals brightly bring to mind, Sense Field vocalist Jonathan Bunch, as they pour out verse upon emotive verse, intermittently being broken by an enraged yell or scream. Guitar wise, the album is full of serene, atmospheric riffs that materialize, full of color and ambition, helping to bring out the overall melody of the somewhat oddly constructed songs, while also occasionally hitting hard with straight forward riffs. The bass playing competently brings up the rear, using stern, plodding plucks that generate continual momentum. Meanwhile, band drummer Tucker indulges in a playing style that is quite crisp, keeping a steady timing as he thrashes out a steady array of cymbal hits and pointed beats.

The bulk of songs included here are fairly touching, utilizing a progressive blend of emocore that will more than likely take a small period of adjustment for those not familiar with the genre to get used to. But it is also this somewhat eclectic mix of sounds and invigorated song writing that allows the bands music to contain such depth, unveiling new aural textures with each listen. Songs like "Paris In Flames" and "I Am The Killer" are jaggedly pieced together, yet the unexpected changes and honest passion injected into each part played, is nearly overwhelming, instantly commanding attention and drawing feeling from the listener. Yes, there are a few songs here that don't particularly go anywhere or try anything different and as a result, become almost worthy of skipping to the next track, but there also some truly brilliant tracks that are just too impressive to not to be heard. Admittedly, there's still a bit of awkwardness and a slightly loose sense of connection between the band members, but there also some innovative moments that suggest Thursday just may have the rough elements necessary to thoroughly establish a place all their own in the often overcrowded emo genre. Despite its shortcomings, "Full Collapse" manages to persevere, becoming much more than just another emocore album. It's unfiltered intensity and wealth of true emotion is easily enough to enchant those sick of the stereotypical corporate rock bands flooding the airwaves, suggesting that it could give nearly any melodic rock record out there a run for its money, any day of the week.