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 01/2012

    DREW LANDRY
    Sharecropper's Whine

  • reviewed 05/2009

    DAVE ALVIN AND THE GUILTY WOMEN
    DAVE ALVIN AND THE GUILTY WOMEN

  • reviewed 04/2014

    SAINTSENECA
    Dark Arc

  • reviewed 06/2006

    Dan Zanes & Friends
    Catch That Train!

  • reviewed 05/2011

    BLACKIE AND THE RODEO KINGS
    Kings and Queens

  • reviewed 02/2010

    HARLEM PARLOR MUSIC CLUB
    SALT OF THE EARTH

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.