RSS Feed

Theives and Villians’ album South America

September 15, 2010 by Anna

South AmericaLet’s face it, sometimes the pop-punk and indie-rock scene can be a little monotonous… High pitched vocalists singing about their broken heart or intense love for someone in an effort to catch their attention while distorted guitars wail and drums thrash resulting in a messy but catchy track that hundreds of teenagers can sing along to while reflecting on their own love woes. Although Thieves and Villains makes some use of this familiar pop-punk sound, their album South America is packed with sounds that take it beyond the conventional.

Thieves and Villains takes pride in the fact that this album was recorded “the old-fashioned way.” Rather than relying on auto-tune and hours of layering and production, the band chose to record using vintage tape machines and their own gear. Judging by the raw and organic sound of this album, they definitely made the right decision.

There are several gems in this album and some less notable. One of the highlights is the record’s second track, “Song For Dean Moriarty,” in which the band makes good use of a loud and prominent bass line. The following song, “Virginia Woolf” boasts of intriguing instrumentals and vocals resembling that of Panic! At the Disco. Another notable track is “I Want A Friend Like South America Promo, Photo Credit: Jesse DeflorioYou,” one of the more pop-influenced songs with verses that will undoubtedly induce some head-bobbing and/or swaying action. “Drums In Amsterdam” sounds like it came straight out of the Eurotrip soundtrack with its high-energy, guitar driven sound, while “Youth” highlights the band’s excellent percussion. The song’s final 30 seconds has vocalist Sergio Otaegui singing “you should join in” while back up vocals joyously sing along. Appropriate, is it not? The band closes the album nicely with the pleasantly acoustic “South St. Hymnal,” a great contrast to the upbeat tracks before it.

Though not the greatest album, South America is a valiant effort to reinvent the pop-punk and indie rock sound. Its consistency overpowers the pitchy and sometimes repetitive aspects that make the album flawed and shows that Thieves and Villains has immense potential.

South America is out now and they’re heading out on tour soon, so check out the dates below.

Rating: (3/5)

On Tour:

Sep 22, 2010 Brooklyn, NY, US @ Party Expo w/The Scenic
Sep 23, 2010 Hamden, CT, US @ THE SPACE w/The Scenic
Sep 24, 2010 Nyack, NY, US @ Indigo Paradise w/The Scenic
Sep 25, 2010 Salem, MA, US @ Salem KNights of Columbus w/The Scenic
Sep 26, 2010 Dover, NH, US @ The Dover Brick House w/The Scenic
Sep 27, 2010 Baltimore, MD, US @ Ottobar w/The Scenic
Sep 28, 2010 Philadelphia, PA, US @ The Barbary w/The Scenic
Sep 30, 2010 Charlotte, NC @ CASBAH w/The Scenic
Oct 1, 2010 VA, US @ Club Relevant w/The Scenic
Oct 2, 2010 Warrenton, VA @ THE BARN w/The Scenic
Oct 15, 2010 Providence, RI, US @ The Ruins w/ Just Surrender and With The Punches
Oct 16, 2010 Patchogue, NY, US @ Club Karma w/ Just Surrender and With The Punches
Oct 17, 2010 Albany, NY, US @ Bogie’s w/ Just Surrender and With The Punches
Oct 20, 2010 Jermyn, PA, US @ Eleanor Rigby’s w/ Just Surrender and With The Punches
Oct 22, 2010 Vineland, NJ, US @ Hangar 84 w/ Just Surrender and With The Punches
Oct 29, 2010 Bronx, NY, US @ The Point w/ Just Surrender and With The Punches
Oct 30, 2010 Danbury, CT, US @ Heirloom Arts Center w/ Just Surrender and With The Punches
Oct 31, 2010 Cambridge, MA, US @ MIDDLE EAST w/ Just Surrender and With The Punches

No Comments

No comments yet.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.