The UK heavy rockers Night Thieves are returning with their first non-single release in nearly four years this week. With their 2020 EP Battle Cry and their subsequent singles, the band have already gained a lot of traction on the UK underground scene, with everyone from Planet Rock to BBC Radio One featuring them. I’m familiar with the name for sure, but am excited to finally check them out in an extended capacity. Let’s dive right in!
‘Collide’ opens the EP perfectly. While certainly having a radio-friendly side to it, it’s still clearly on the heavier side, and has a really great sound to it. It has elements of everything from Royal Blood to modern Architects, but the main thing I hear is Coheed and Cambria. I don’t know how much of an influence the band have on Night Thieves ‘ music, but the vocal delivery and harmonies really reminded me of them! The multi-tracked vocals for the chorus are incredible, making it sound massive and arena-filling. The production on it is amazing, too. It’s a huge sound, and everything from the guitar tone to the drums fit together perfectly. Overall, it’s an incredible track, and one that easily makes our playlist!
‘The Way the Story Goes’ continues the energy of the previous track. From awesome riffing, fantastic vocals and an overall massive, epic sound, it’s really fantastic. I love the dynamics between the quieter parts and the huge, distorted guitars. The electronic elements in the bridge/breakdown were fun too, adding yet another awesome element to the sound. It’s another awesome, polished, radio-rock track!
The same could be said from the other two tracks on the EP. Both ‘Through the Looking Glass’ and ‘Walkaway’ are two more awesome, radio-friendly hard rock tracks. They are the heavier two on the album, with the breakdown in the former being maybe my favourite part of the EP. They are both great tracks, but are pretty similar to the other half of the release. Being only an EP, it’s a lot easier to get away with it. However, those who are regulars here know that I’m a big fan of variety, and I’d love to hear something a little different from Night Thieves on their next release!
Overall: This was a really great listen! Every track on this is awesome and the band have such an incredible, polished sound. Honestly, you could tell me this was an arena band and I’d believe you, the mixing, mastering and even songwriting was so crisp and well done. As I said, my only slight issue was that the songs were all kinda similar to each other. However, when it’s only a four-track EP, you really wanna put out your very best tracks on it. And this was very much all killer, no filler. The band have a big new fan in me, and I can all but guarantee that they are going to be a huge name in the rock scene in the near future!
The Score: 8.5/10