| As I sat down to write this review, I was trying to figure out how to express the profound effect that music has upon my life, how it is my muse, my vivacity, even. Yet, in this instance, I've found words to be beyond inadequate, so perhaps it's best that I leave it to music (and your ears, mind, soul, and body) to express this. This vivacity that courses through my veins can, clearly, be felt when listening to Thieves And Villains "Movement."
As my heart is pumps blood throughout my body, "Movement" is allowing me to feel the effects of such a miracle. This album breathes life into you with each and every listen.
The guitars are perfectly understated for the overall tone and atmosphere of the album, allowing the output and vocals to radiate throughout, making this album elegantly proportioned musically. Thieves And Villains have created one of the most captivating albums that I've listened to in a long time. It allows you to feel, to contemplate, to realize. Sergio Otaeguis voice is astounding. It's almost ethereal at times but never so much that its delicacy is overtaken by the instruments. His classical vocal training allows his falsetto voice to fit perfectly among the collective sound of the instruments.
“Dry Throats Unite” is one of the many stand-out tracks to help you understand his true vocal ability. Breaking from the shouting in the chorus to a soothing lullaby voice, not one certain aspect of the instrumentals are overbearing; allowing the collection of instruments to create an aesthetically pleasing chorus that resonates within the ears of the listener. “I Have Spread Some Love” is the ultimate, relaxing warm-felt ballad that makes me realize that I am not listening to something ordinary. Everyone plays in perfect unison and they sound first-rate.
While it is almost inevitable for comparisons to be drawn between Thieves And Villains and various other bands, I prefer to focus on (and thoroughly enjoy) their unique approach to music that they so skillfully demonstrate with their first full-length album. In the midst of the stale doldrums of a contemporary music industry where so many bands treat the heavy handed approach as the only one, with which, to create an album, "Movement" is a welcome and, might I say, refreshing change. Perhaps, it is best described by the title of the sixth track, "All I Needed". Yet, as perfect as "Movement" is, the songs paint a picture that deserves high merit. To define perfect is hard for one to do beings nobody is perfect, though I do believe certain things can be perfect such as art and thats exactly what Thieves And Villains have created.
~ Wayne
June 24 2008 |
