Nothing But Thieves
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Pretty Vicious and Witterquick
The Waterfront Studio Norwich
Monday 26th October
Review by Jessica Benstead

Nothing But Thieves have had an incredible year so far, including supporting Muse in front of 40,000 people at Italy’s Rock in Roma Festival this summer. All before the release of their self titled debut album, which has peaked at number one in the vinyl chart this week and number seven in the album chart. Nothing But Thieves first headline show in Norwich sold out within two hours and certainly proved that the band's eclectic mix of songs translate incredibly live, even in an intimate venue, creating one memorable gig!

Vocals from the first support act Witterquick were lost in the thumping drums and heavy guitars that filled the small waterfront studio. The mellower, softer songs however proved a welcome change from the aggressive vocals from frontman Will Aford and gave the bands harmonies a chance to breathe.

 

The second support act, alternative rock band Pretty Vicious, immediately got the crowd pumped and proved why you should always turn up early to a gig. It’s Always There showcased the bands sound with electrifying guitar riffs and frontman Brad Griffiths’ unique vocals. Impressed murmuring could be heard throughout as the crowd eagerly wanted to know more about the Merthyr born teenage band. The bands chemistry and stage presence sounded as though they have been together for years, despite only performing their first gig back in December 2014. This year Pretty Vicious have signed to Virgin EMI Records and caught the attention of BBC Introducing, proving they are the new rock band to watch out for.

 

Walking on stage to the booming sound of Queens Of The Stone Age - Feel Good Hit Of The Summer, Nothing But Thieves kick things off with Excuse Me, the first song on their debut album, exposing frontman Conor Mason’s captivating falsetto and vocal diversity. Itch immediately gets the crowd going with electrifying guitar riffs and aggressive drums, echoing the bands conscious decision to make a rock song. The electronic experimental sound of Hostage captures the audience, swiftly followed by the atmospheric tones of Honey Whiskey. The slower, softer, entrancing Graveyard Whistling translating live beautifully in the cosy waterfront studio setting, lulling the audience into a sense of awe and sending chills down spines. Drawing Pins gets a brilliant crowd reaction, with Mason responding “That was fucking great, thanks for that!”


Pic : Jessica Benstead

If I Get High adds a natural calming respite, before the upbeat rocky sounds of Painkiller are released. Trip Switch was the highlight of the gig, with the bands energy transcending into the audience. Continuing the buzz, Wake Up Call ended the the main set of the gig, leaving the crowd eager for more. The seductive yet haunting Tempt You opens the encore, before the louder, rockier Hanging echoes around the studio, setting the tone for the highly anticipated Ban All The Music, ending the gig with deafening well-deserved applause.

Catching the band after the the gig, they collectively said that Norwich is one of their favourite places to play and that it was an incredible intimate gig, which it certainly was. Nothing But Thieves are set to be back touring in the spring, definitely a gig not to be missed.

Jessica Benstead

 

http://www.nbthieves.com/

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