Nothing But Thieves - Nothing But Thieves

Having supported Muse in front of tens of thousands of people this summer before even putting out an album, Nothing But Thieves have no end to the pressure they’re under as their debut record lands its release. Fortunately, it’s phenomenal. Opener Excuse Me says it all with crescendos of wailing vocals and gargantuan guitar licks combining to create a musical force to be reckoned with. Ban All the Music ups the tempo in a Royal Blood-like rock barrage and Itch pours lo-fi vocals into the mix like lighter fluid, ignited by pumping drums and grinding bass. Delicacy and heavy rock rarely go hand in hand but frontman Conor Mason’s pristine vocals alongside James Price’s solid drumbeat foundation proves a divine combination on If I Get High and the murky depths of Graveyard Whistling. Elsewhere, the sinister Trip Switch details “rubbing shoulders with some unknown lovers” in a tense ascension, culminating in fiery riffs and staggering drops. Drawing Pins shows off Phillip Blake’s immersive bass talent before aggressive guitar riffs punch in with power the White Stripes could only dream of. Tempt You (Evocatio) closes the record with dystopian synthesizers and safely seals the deal on the debut record by the best new band in the country.