Kensrue Who

Dustin Kensrue released his debut solo album, "Please Come Home," on Equal Vision in January. It's quiet and diffident, much like the man himself, with a whole world of heartache, religion, hope and nostalgia, hearkening Americana influences like Jackson Browne and Ryan Adams. It's an odd, unexpectedly pleasant release from a man who normally spends his time fronting screamo/hardcore/guilty-pleasure troupe Thrice.

Last week, Kensrue paid us a little visit in our pit office to show off some of his songs, of which there are really only eight -- but, hey!, baby steps. His affected and growly, melodic voice put us at ease without putting us to sleep.

We decided to check him out at the Knitting Factory the next night for a little bit more goodness, and were rewarded to a full-band set. His lack of material was apparent, considering half the set list comprised of covers (see: "Round Here"), but that doesn't mean there's not enough marbles in play: Kensrue revealed that Thrice is planning a four-disc set for their next release, with each disc revolving around the loose theme of earth/wind/fire/water elements.

In an aside, Kensue's ability and willingness to share the struggles with his Christian faith in song is admirable and striking. Anberlin's Stephen Christian and Cold War Kids' Nathan Willett, who opened the show, were a good match, in their similar reputation and knack for honest reflection of their faith without beating it into ground.

After the show, and after the after party, Kensrue successfully managed to leave his Taylor acoustic guitar in the back of his cab. We all spent the better part of our meal on Mott Street trying to finagle it back on the phone with the taxi company, making the slap-your-hand-to-your-forehead motion many, many times. Miraculously, Kensrue got it back the next day before his flight left town.