Music
Review
Review: Nothing But Thieves warm-up at Dingwalls
The Essex outfit play an intimate show in London.
The rise of Nothing But Thieves has been meteoric. With only their debut album under their belt, the band have secured prominent spots at major festivals across Europe, this year seeing them take to Community Festival in London, Isle of Wight Festival, and an early afternoon set on Glastonbury Festival’s highly competitive The Other Stage.
With a massive summer ahead, not least the release of their anticipated sophomore full-length Broken Machines on the 8 September, Nothing But Thieves are kicking things off with a comparably intimate show at London’s Dingwalls, nestled under the dock in the heart of Camden.
Tonight serves as both a celebration and a showcase, dominated by early material yet interspersed with a handful of new tracks. Recent single Amsterdam rounds off the evening with its huge chorus and driving guitars, yet all previously unheard songs demonstrate a newfound maturity in their sound. Nothing But Thieves have found the spot between swagger filled rock and progressive experimentation, a sound destined to push them towards the top of the festivals they currently find themselves on.
Vocalist and guitarist Conor Mason continues to wow with his distinctive and powerful voice, especially on the band’s exceptional slower numbers. If I Get High in particular brims with emotion, the band met with an equal outpouring coming back from tonight’s audience. It’s an audience who continually demonstrate their own mastery of the material, singing back each line when prompted, and filling the room in unison throughout.
Nothing But Thieves prove with ease their respected position, met by their dedicated fanbase. Their style sits comfortably between all-out rock, considered balladry, and huge melodies; a mixture that has welcomed adoration from all corners of music. Even in tonight’s small venue, it’s impossible not to be transported to bigger stages. Those looking for the headline band of the future wouldn’t do badly to start here.
Noting But Thieves will be appearing at Isle of Wight Festival on Friday 8 June, and at Community Festival on the 1 July 2017. Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster.co.uk.
