music reviews
Woman
Band of Thieves is the kind of group whose instantly catchy sound and enviable cohesion makes you swear they’ve been playing together for years. In reality, the band formed just a year ago, not knowing one another but rallying around a shared vision of creating solid, no-frills rock. Coming from bands like Midtown (signer Tyler Rann) and Billionaire Boys Club (bassist Leigh Nelson), the quintet had a fateful NYC meeting, began writing, and in just one studio session, channeled classic rock’s sound and swagger on their Woman EP. The disc kicks off with the title track (which was featured on MTV’s “The Hills”), a tambourine-and-hand-clap-driven romp about going after a woman with a bad reputation. “Hey Hey” refuses to waste an opportunity for a guitar solo and perfectly captures the “good time rock” vibe of hot guitars and hotter women (“girl you’re looking good and you can flaunt it now”). “First Among Equals” borrows some of the effortless confidence of classic southern rock with Rann’s throaty vocals creating catchy hooks at each turn.
Dreamland (live)
There’s something to be said for just making good, genuine, grassroots music. On his most recent release, the live EP Dreamland, Goss does just that, delivering prolific lyrics with gently strummed acoustic guitar, and a bit of upright bass and electric guitar for unique flavor. Dreamland is full of gently strummed or plucked guitar, punctuated by throaty, emotive vocals. Goss’ melodies are solid, but the real treat here is his lyrics, which weave dreamy romance stories through fresh metaphors like “Dancing in front of the skee ball machine… / You rolled for the hundreds but missed every one / Now I’m your only ticket tonight” (“A Plea for Dreamland”), and inventive phrases like “Three sheets to the wind / I’ve been whisky’d I’ve been gin’d” (“Irish Eyes”). Dreamland is bare-bones and better for it.
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special company
For his fourth album, singer/songwriter Josh Kelley had a pretty impressive muse to guide him – new wife, actress Katherine Heigl. The bard draws heavily on her influence for this blue-eyed funk effort, with several songs ostensibly about her, like “Hey Katie” in which he cries kismet and happy endings with the chorus “I knew from the start the starring role in my movie was you,” over bouncy keys and hand claps. In fact, Kelley is all about love and unapologetic about over-the-top lyrics, as on “Masterpiece,” where he notes “that fur coat robe got you lookin’ so fine / cheers to you honey cause you look so money tonight.” Still, Kelley has the musical chops to back it up – soulful vocals, skillful guitar solos, and pitch-perfect keys. Much of the album is funk-infused contemporary folk, like the blues-inspired title track, with its breathy vocals and G. Love-esque soul, but he singer is commended for taking chances, as on “Lift Me Up,” a dramatic and theatrical track led by deeply melodic keys and mournful strings. Special Company is a decidedly different more mature effort for the singer.
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The Voice Is Inside
The Voice is Inside is the debut effort from the duo of Dov Rosenblatt and C. Lanzbom, the beauty is in the little details. The melodic and folk-influenced album is highlighted by stunning female harmonies (“Lie with Me” and “Shadows”), thick, resonant basslines (“Better Place”), plucked strings (“Fallin at Your Feet”), and clever lyrical turns. “Better Place” stands out with its poignant guitar work and vibrating bass, while the sweet, gentle vocals and lilting guitar of “Long Division” would make a brilliant addition to the soundtrack of a romantic film. The band shows an aptitude for lyrical creativity on the tongue-in-cheek “Rain Check” about a “spoiled little princess” who “took my record collection and my Chinese food and that hopeful heart of mine.” It’s music for hopeful hearts and lovesick listeners alike. Available now on iTunes!
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BAND OF THEIVES
