Concert Review: Nothing But Thieves
Brooklyn Steel was set ablaze as the iconic British rock group, Nothing But Thieves, made their triumphant return to the American stage after a five-year hiatus. Originating from Essex, England, this group has consistently embodied fervent guitar-driven rock, skillfully intertwining indie creativity with an enchanting pop flair. With a remarkable track record that boasts three Top Ten U.K. albums, including their self-titled debut in 2015, the explosive "Broken Machine" in 2017, and the thought-provoking "Moral Panic" in 2020, their musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Now, in 2023, they've gifted us with the enigmatic "Dead Club City," a sonic testament to their evolution as artists. As the anticipation reached a fever pitch at Brooklyn Steel, the venue thrummed with an eclectic blend of fans spanning generations, all eagerly awaiting a journey through the pulsating beats of their latest opus. The stage was set for an unforgettable night that would weave the tapestry of Nothing But Thieves' remarkable career.
Photos by Natalie Colon
Before this show, I was largely unfamiliar with Nothing But Thieves. I had previously heard what ended up being their second song of the night, “Is Everything Going Crazy?”, a hit off their last album, “Moral Panic,” but otherwise, most of their songs were fresh to me. It would be a disservice not to begin this review without acknowledging the extreme talent of these musicians. Vocalist Conor Mason possessed an astonishingly high register that caught me completely off guard. His vocal clarity, pitch precision, and masterful control were truly exceptional. There were moments when he ventured into astonishingly high notes, yet he always maintained a firm grip on the sound, never letting it slip into chaos. The instrumentalists, too, were forces of nature, crafting a sonic tsunami that echoed throughout the entirety of Brooklyn Steel. The stage, bathed in a glorious spectrum of colors, reflected the distinct personalities of each band member. They highly engaged their audience of wild fans with their infectious energy and genuine camaraderie.
As the night progressed, the band dove into their hits like "Amsterdam," "Broken Machine," and "I Was Just a Kid," each song delivering a visceral punch that sent shockwaves of exhilaration through the crowd. The audience's reaction was nothing short of electric. A sea of faces lit up with pure joy, and bodies moved in unison to the pulsating rhythms. It was a collective frenzy of euphoria, where the music served as a conduit for shared emotions.
Photos by Natalie Colon
Nothing But Thieves had not only conquered Brooklyn Steel with their extraordinary musicianship but had also forged an unbreakable bond with the crowd. Whether they were unleashing the explosive energy of tracks like "You Know Me Too Well," causing the venue to erupt in pure rock euphoria or gently swaying the audience with the heartfelt ballad "Green Eyes," the band's interaction and connection with their fans was touching. In those shared moments, there was an overwhelming sense of comfort and understanding, as if the band was saying, "Here, in this space, you can lay bare your deepest emotions, whether it's love or pain, and know that you're surrounded by kindred spirits who might be feeling the same way." It was this profound bond between Nothing But Thieves and their audience that truly made the concert an unforgettable experience, where music became a conduit for shared emotions, and the crowd became a collective embrace of shared sentiment.
Photos by Natalie Colon
Not many musicians can present a rock show that feels spontaneous and lively throughout and yet maintains such an intense level of control over it all. You can tell how much care they truly put into this, especially knowing that fans had thirsted so long for them to come back to the States. It isn’t easy to play with that kind of pressure and expectation on their backs, but Nothing But Thieves won’t let that interfere with their show. Playing a range of rock bangers to moody slow jams, this show is the perfect blend of hits to welcome the band back to American audiences. The best part is…THEY KNOW HOW TO ROCK!
Be sure to catch Nothing But Thieves as they close out their US leg and continue on their European leg of the tour. You can find more amazing shots of the show in our gallery.
