Dustin Kensrue at the Studio at Webster Hall

Guitarist/vocalist Dustin Kensrue founded the post-hardcore/experimental rock quartet Thrice in 1998 while in high school in Irvine, California. Early in its career, Thrice played fast, hard music based in heavily distorted guitars, prominent lead guitar lines, and complex time signatures, later incorporating electronic beats, keyboards, and more experimental and nuanced songwriting. The band is on hiatus, as Kensrue explores being a solo artist. Kensrue released, Carry the Fire, on April 21, 2015.

Dustin Kensrue appeared on stage tonight at the Studio at Webster Hall with only an acoustic guitar, a harmonica and a microphone. The set included several songs from his solo albums, particularly the new album, but also included acoustic renditions of Thrice songs, including "Words in the Water." Until recently, Kensrue was a church elder, and so not surprisingly some of his lyrics alluded to his biblically-based ponderings. The acoustic performance was tame, nowhere near as inventive as a Thrice performance, and showed a more reflective and sensitive side to Kensrue. While the folk-styled concert was pleasant, one can only hope that Kensrue soon will return to the stage with a band.

Visit Dustin Kensrue at www.dustinkensrue.com.