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It was a good day when Thrice announced their three-year hiatus had come to an end. And it was an even better day when they released “To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere”, one of their best albums to date. Which is saying a lot when you look at their past releases. Thrice have a couple of Euro dates coming up in April, including a stop at Groezrock, and will be heading out with Deftones and Rise Against in June and July. Plenty of chances for you to see them live, less chances for them to spend time in Orange, CA. We caught up with drummer Riley Breckenridge to talk about his hometown. (Photo credit: Jonathan Weiner)

PRT: What made you first fall in love with the city?

Riley: I moved to Orange in the mid-2000s because the entire band had relocated there. Aside from loving the fact that I didn’t have a commute to work, I started to appreciate how the city was (and is) growing more and more diverse; while increasing the number of great restaurants, coffee shops, brick-and-mortar retail stores, etc. in the area.

PRT: If you had to come up with a marketing slogan for the city, what would it be?

Riley: Uhh … “It’s not Irvine”?

PRT: Best place to play?

Riley: In Orange? No idea. Nearby? I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart and a ton of nostalgia for Chain Reaction in Anaheim.

PRT: Best place to go for a late night drink after the show?

Riley: I’m partial to Haven Gastropub – great food, great bar, and an impressive beer list.

PRT: Best touristy thing to do in the city?

Riley: Go to the Orange Circle with an empty belly and eat and drink to your heart’s content. Take a hike up to Robber’s Roost at sunset and get an eagle’s eye view of most of Orange County.

PRT: One thing you would like to see changed in the city?

Riley: I have kids now, so I’d like the schools to be cleaner, safer, better funded, etc.

PRT: What's your best memory about the city? 

Riley: I’ve written and/or recorded almost half of this band’s records in a studio there.