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Now Hear This… not only the name of a Billboard column but a serious
announcement: Company Of Thieves is truly THE new band to check
out. They have yet to release their physical debut album Ordinary Riches,
however the buzz on their digital is undeniable. Not only have they been
on Last Call With Carson Daly, but their single "Oscar Wilde"
won them the 2007 New York Songwriters Circle contest.
It took me awhile to try and identify the spot on the "music spectrum"
that Thieves would fall. My findings? Nothing. I cannot figure out the
right genre in which to to stick them. They defy categorization and that
is something that can take years for bands to do. For me, they'd be the
genre that goes perfect in a bar, with a piano in the corner, wooden walls
and the lights dimmed just slightly.
"Old Letters" starts the album in a Fiona Apple mode.
With drawn out words/notes, minimal guitar and drums that thrash, this
song rocks with its own style of sensuality. "In Passing" continues
that sensual feeling, but kicks it up with an electric guitar and some
excellent riffs. "Oscar Wilde", the token single, comes in at
the #3 spot. With this song, the feeling's a bit lighter. Want a soundtrack
for running through a field of daisies? I can see this song working for
that. There's some definite and obvious mass appeal. If I take it upon
myself to skip down to a favorite, I'd go to "Even In The Dark."
This song is even LIGHTER than "In Passing," if you can believe
it. It's very mellow and very calming. It's as though a bit more emphasis
was put on the lyrics for this song. Or at least more emphasis on the
ability to hear and feel them. Genevieve's amazing voice hits some
great octaves and shines through. The powerfulness near the end makes
you wonder if there was some heartbreak factored into the composition
of this song. "The Fire Song" has so much depth to it; it's
almost hard to keep up. Between the tempo changes, the volume changes
and even the changes in Genevieve's style of singing, this song is incredible.
Her whispers midway through definitely bring up some goose-bumps. "New
Letters" ends the album, and very appropriately I might add, and
as "Old Letter" started with a Fiona influence, "New Letters"
followed suit. This song is so soft, easily a Company Of Thieves lullaby.
Sure it rocks out at the end, guitars blazing and all, but the general
feeling could drift you to sleep.
It's an impressive band and an even better album. And from the album
artwork I've seen, the physical will be worth the purchase. You put together
a tour with Company, Fiona and throw in The Delvins and those small
bars will be packed!
-Rachel Fredrickson
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