But this isn't for lack of effort or enthusiasm - they have these important ingredients needed to succeed. Putting it bluntly, they are bland. There's nothing about Thieve - be it stage presence or sound - that makes them stand out. While some of their Bellville brothers came out in support of the launch it was notable, while scanning the crowd during the set, that no one was feeling the music. Music in this genre is supposed to touch you deep in your soul and will you to move your body; Thieve failed in this instance to inspire much more than a forced bopping of random heads.
I could complain about the lack of promised free tequila (or perhaps it was served after the performance), or the late start that was supposed to be at 8pm and turned into 9.45pm. I could even whine about the lack of professionalism during the launch - band members should not be socialising and frolicking amongst the guests if their instruments are not tuned and the sound has not been completely sorted out - being nervous for an album launch is no excuse. While these hiccups did leave a bad taste in my mouth, it was the music itself that was too indistinct to leave much of an impression on me or the rest of the crowd.
Thieve is made up of Andrew Davenport on vocals and bass (formerly of Ashtray Electric), Fred Den Hartog, on guitar and backing vocals (formerly of Die Helde) and Philip Erasmus on the drums (formerly of New Loud Rockets). While the threesome does try to produce enjoyable music, Davenport's vocals are just not strong or distinct enough. Their one redeeming grace is in the form of Den Hartog, who has the potential to be a great guitarist. Disappointed with the launch performance, I listened to the album - different medium, same result - the songs are just not catchy enough.
Thieve are signed to indie label Supra Familias and recorded GOLD at B Sharp Studios. The one track with great potential, Last Day December, has a vibey African backbeat, but I'm afraid Thieve are going to need a whole lot more of everything to make it big on SA rock turf, because the competition nowadays is tough and it seems the Bellville wave of success can no longer be ridden.
I don't, at this point in time, see any real potential for this band, but go on Thieve, prove me wrong.
For more on Thieve, view their profile on Myspace or on Facebook.
