LIAR THIEF BANDIT – Deadlights (2021)
”Deadlights” is the third studio album by Swedish power trio (with the help of some friends) LIAR THIEF BANDIT, but our first approach to them. The band’s name makes you think about a screamo outfit, however the group describes their sound as a combination of ’70s Garage Rock mixed with Modern Hard Rock.
While there’s indeed some garage-like riffage here, these young Scandinavian have much more up their sleeve, combining as well traditional Hard Rock, ’80s NWOBHM, Stadium Rock & more.
In fact, there are times that seems we’re listening to a 2020 version of KISS from the 1980s mixed with the 1970’s Hard Rock. Opener “Deadlights” is fresh and exciting as KISS were in the beginning of their career. Then pay close attention to the guitar solo of “Brand New Day” and feel Ace Frehley’s magic touch in it embellished by a tricky guitar riffing.
Mike Jacobson’s guitar work is unavoidable on “Feather”, there are plenty of quick licks and a blazing solo. It’s bassist Niklas Dahre’s time to shine with his deep grooves on “I’ve Got a Lot of Money Coming In.”
As opposite to its title, “Good Enough” is not good enough with its simplistic punky riff, but things turn much better on “Catch and Release”, where Liar Thief Bandit display some great vocal harmonies for a trio.
It’s just Jacobson’s faint guitar and strong vocals on the long opening to “Forever The Optimist.”
The band ends the album with the energetic track “Hindsight.”
Liar Thief Bandit’s band members are young dudes, and there’s some cool rebellious rock n’ roll attitude here. But make no mistake, these guys are from Sweden so expect professionalism and impeccable production & mix capturing that Seventies feeling so hard to emulate today.
Rockin’ n’ fun
01 – Deadlights
02 – Brand New Day
03 – Good Enough
04 – Catch And Release
05 – ‘Cept The Truth
06 – Limitations
07 – Feather
08 – I’ve Got A Lot Of Money Comin’ In
09 – Forever The Optimist
10 – Silver Tongue
11 – Right From Wrong
12 – Hindsight
Mike Jacobson – guitars, vocals
William Grube – drums, percussion
Niklas Dahre – bass, backup vocals
Additional musicians:
Anna Skogo – vocals and backup vocals on 3, 4, 6, 7
Erik Sunding – piano on track 12
BUY
coretexrecords.com/Liar-Thief-Bandit-Deadlights_5
