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 11/2013

    The Melodic
    Effra Parade

  • reviewed 05/2007

    NEIL YOUNG
    Live at Massey Hall, 1971

  • reviewed 06/2012

    VARIOUS ARTISTS
    Mercyland

  • reviewed 05/2016

    Ken Atkins & The Honky Tonk Kind
    This Train

  • reviewed 02/2009

    DREW NELSON
    Dusty Road to Beulah Land

  • reviewed 06/2007

    STEVE FORBERT
    Strange Names & New Sensations

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.