Nothing But Thieves @ Waterfront Studio
This energetic five piece are well on the way to global stardom
Before even releasing their debut album, Nothing But Thieves supported Muse in front of 40,000 people in Rome this summer. Shit, son. Scaling down the venue size but retaining their enormous arena sound, their show at Norwich’s Waterfront Studio was an explicit indication that this energetic five piece are well on the way to global stardom.
Opening act Witterquick, were neither witty nor quick, dragging out a 30 minute set into what felt like forever. With droning vocals and a basic drumbeat they were nothing special. Pretty Vicious, however, absolutely stole the show. A teenage four piece from Wales, they’ve had support from Huw Stephens, and their Britpop meets punk-rock music is tangy and infectious. Cave Song stood out with its punchy Arctic Monkeys sounding chorus, as did Little Milly with its booming bass.
To great anticipation Nothing But Thieves soon arrived, the moody Excuse Me bleeding through the room moments later. The chemistry between frontman Conor Mason and his band mates was contagious, and proof that this is a group enjoying what they’re doing, and doing it fantastically. Itch was a highlight with its rumbling bass and electrifying guitar riffs, and Hostage was a similar story. “This show originally sold out in 2 hours. We’re so fucking grateful”, Mason remarked before an extended version of Drawing Pins that sent chills down spines and set hairs raising. If I Get High was a touching respite from the high-octane rock songs but it was a break short lived, as Painkiller hit monumental new heights with its scatty, punky guitars. The main set closed with head banging and hip shaking to the grinding guitars and erratic drums of Wake Up Call, the haunting Tempt You opening the encore before the teetering crescendos of Ban All the Music wrapped things up, screams and waves following the band as they exited swiftly into the blackness.
