"GENRE: CLASSIC CLATTER. VERDICT: ROCKTIME DREAMLAND. There's nothing particularly cutting-edge about Thick As Thieves, and that's just the way it should be. The four talented bandmates have perfected a clattering steamroller of a CD, from the opener "First News From the Zephyr" to the well-composed "Mars Viglia" through to cinematic closer "There Were Sparrows," Their second full-length release carefully walks the line between making airtight grooves and falling apart completely. The guys are a literal bunch, too, with themes that speak beyond the regular-joe rock of booze, sex and more booze. True Believers ... makes us so. " Weekly Dig
"For every moment of hushed beauty here, like the gently plucked acoustics and heavy-hearted piano balladry of "Chemical Division," there's a counterbalancing blast of snarling, vampy rocking, countrified twang, or moody, electronic ambience. It's an impressively diverse sonic palate for the young Cambridge band, whose songs break
and crest on waves of sudden momentum shifts. "Mars Vigila" is the highlight: a rhythmically complex burst of chiming, ethereal elegy and melting guitar delay broken up by breast-beating, shouted catharsis. Through it all they maintain a surprising sense of melodic focus for a group stitching so many ideas into such a tightly woven whole." Boston Magazine
"There was hardly a damn thing wrong with THICK AS THIEVES’ auspicious debut, last year’s We Planted Driftwood and Nothing Changed, which smuggled bits of Television homage into a jarringly original post-punk presentation." The Boston Phoenix
"On the bands debut, Thick as Thieves write songs that, for all their appealing hooks and smooth vocals, are filled with doubt and ambivalence. The band often plays with a tense, suspenseful softness, seemingly holding back while containing its sound within a limited frame...the sound is arresting" Northeast Performer
"[Here's To Waking Up is] mellow ethereal road trip Americana with a beautifully tasteful production, and pedal steel" IAC (Independent Artists Company)
"Cambridge-based Thick As Thieves’ debut full-length is a joy from start to finish ...the whole album feels more coherent than most major-label releases. Not many bands can vary their sound as effectively as from stellar rockers like “An Empire Sound” to delicate musical moments like “Telegraphs to Spitfire.” Plus, their lyrics are gorgeous and evocative" Avoid Peril
"Although an average track length under four minutes isn’t usually the mark of what would be described as epic, these compositions are certainly worthy of the label. The group seamlessly transitions between numerous musical themes creating dynamic soundscapes and an engrossing musical experience sure to make listeners thankful that the quartet chose to form Thick as Thieves" The Philler
"That is something that we can never do...if that hits somebody, if that goes through our freakin' wall...never again...never again" Club Owner (who put Aaron in a headlock)
Influences
Growing affluence & diminishing soul, socially acceptable alcohol consumption, misleading romantic literature, teenage arrogance, a collective failure to mature, and a love for noise. We also enjoy the musical stylings of:
The Everyday Visuals ,
Kid:Nap:Kin ,
The States ,
These Green Eyes ,
Aberdeen City
Some local stations have been kind enough to play a few of our tracks. To keep this radio madness going, please call in and demand some Thick As Thieves
WBCN: Boston Emissions
617-746-1400
WFNX: New England Product
Sundays 10-11pm
781-595-9369
www.myspace.com/newenglandproductfnx
WAAF: Bay State Rock
Sundays 10:00-12:00
(617) 931-1AAF
http://www.baystaterock.com/
Sounds Like
Summer harmonies, late nights, heavy amps, blood-sweat-and-splinters, lost causes, new hopes, blurry eyes, teenage wastelands, cooling breezes, fear in a handful of dust, and rock and roll.
Thick As Thieves was formed in the summer of 2004 by guitarist Aaron Benson and drummer Mike Cotter. The two first met on an eastbound train from Chicago to Boston. During the course of the resulting conversation they realized that they shared many musical interests. Aaron was in the process of completing his MP&E major at a local music college but having just purchased a guitar, he was interested in getting involved in the process of songwriting. Mike had been playing drums from a young age but was forced to abandon the instrument to help his family recover from the locust plagues and drought that had devastated their farm in northern Illinois.
The Midwestern pair began composing lengthy guitar/drum arrangements that defied conventional timing and song structures. The songs generally originated in a brief guitar riff or a snippet of a beat before developing into full-blown tunes. Their work culminated in an experimental album called "Telemakos Airlines" and accompanying light show ofthe same name. While it was an artistic success, it lacked the immediacy and energy of a full band. After a lengthy discussion an effort was made to bring new players into the fold. Bassist Kellen Kleinfelter had been working on his own material while playing in a variety of local bands. He crossed paths with Aaron while the two were waiting in line at a vegan diner in Allston and found an immediate connection. At the same time in late August, Mike met an up and coming writer named Tyler Littwin. He was persuaded to set aside the novel he had been working on and return to his first love: music.
After a string of noisy but fruitless rehearsals, the quartet began to come together. Despite getting banned from the first venue (thanks, Madison!) they played at, the band spent two years touring and writing songs. Inspired by a childhood spent next to the ocean, Tyler had written a 235 line poem called "Overshore & Undersky." This text became the framework for the band's first album, "We Planted Driftwood And Nothing Changed" which was released in May of 2006. A sophomore album entitled "True Believers In The Long Walk Home" will be released 5/2/08.
Absolutely LOVE the songs guys. Great sound. We'd definitely like play some shows with ya. We're finishing up a new EP right now and then we'll be bookin a lot more shows, so let us know if you'd be up for doing something together.
