Let’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 
You,” 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 |
