THE BALLROOM THIEVES

The Devil & The Deep

2014-05-12

  The Devil & The Deep is the debut from Boston trio, The Ballroom Thieves.  The band makes neo-Americana that features three-part vocal harmonies backed by guitar, banjo, and percussion.  Two of the songs on this five song EP are ballads ("Delia" and "Save Me").  Another, "Wait For Water" might fake you out because it starts like a ballad with a single guitar and quiet vocals; but then vocal harmonies, banjo, and hand-claps are added for a raucous end. The upbeat "Vampires" travels the country-rock road.  The best song, album-opener "Loose Lips", is upbeat and even has a cello solo.  Unfortunately, if also features the f-word, so no airplay for that one.  All in all, The Ballroom Thieves do a fine job with this release. The musicianship, vocals, and production are well-done. The grievous thing is, I've heard this done before by so many other bands.  There is nothing here (except maybe that short cello solo) that makes me want to come back for another listen.  Rebecca Ruth 

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 02/2006

    MARK ERELLI
    Hope and Other Casualties

  • reviewed 08/2016

    JJ Byars
    Waterlogged

  • reviewed 06/2005

    Devil in a Woodpile
    In Your Lonesome Town

  • reviewed 12/2005

    RobinElla
    Solace for the Lonely

  • reviewed 08/2006

    Monsieur Gainsbourg Revisited
    Monsieur Gainsbourg Revisited

  • reviewed 11/2006

    THE GUGGENHEIM GROTTO
    Waltzing Alone

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.