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 10/2003

    Rickie Lee Jones
    Evening of My Best Day

  • reviewed 04/2009

    THE GREENCARDS
    Fascination

  • reviewed 01/2006

    HEM
    No Word From Tom

  • reviewed 06/2006

    Pure Prairie League
    All In Good Time

  • reviewed 06/2009

    TERRI HENDRIX
    LEFT OVER ALLS

  • reviewed 03/2012

    TRUCKSTOP HONEYMOON
    Steamboat in a Cornfield

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.