The Ballroom Thieves
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Boston’s power folk rock trio Ballroom Thieves kicked off their tour this week and stopped in Chicago for their 2nd show of their Midwest run. Don’t let the instrumentation fool you. Yes, they man the stage with just an acoustic guitar, cello, and some auxillery percussion, but this group surprised the room with their huge sound, contagious energy, and spot-on harmonies. Playing songs off of their 2012 EP The Devil & The Deep as well as a batch of new foot-stomping tunes, this group is a must see. Check out their website here and check their tour dates for a show near you! - Jeff McClusky & Associates
Boston’s power folk rock trio Ballroom Thieves kicked off their tour this week and stopped in Chicago for their 2nd show of their Midwest run. Don’t let the instrumentation fool you. Yes, they man the stage with just an acoustic guitar, cello, and some auxillery percussion, but this group surprised the room with their huge sound, contagious energy, and spot-on harmonies. Playing songs off of their 2012 EP The Devil & The Deep as well as a batch of new foot-stomping tunes, this group is a must see. Check out their website here and check their tour dates for a show near you! - Jeff McClusky & Associates
The energy was up. But believe me, The Ballroom Thieves could have amped up the crowd regardless. One hit on the djembe from percussionist/vocalist Devin Mauch and the crowd would have roared. And this isn’t even a hypothetical, it happened. The intensity and passion Devin, vocalist/guitarist Martin Earley, and cellist/vocalist Rachel Gawell had for the songs they delivered- it was hard to believe it was just three of them. The Ballroom Thieves would describe themselves as “rock disguised as folk.” I would say who the hell would have imagined an acoustic guitar, a cello, and a djembe could make so much ruckus.
They began their set with “Down By the River”, a song that reminded me of an old crew ship anthem that was sung to unit the men on board. Observing it all, it seemed to be just that. It was a Wednesday night, and despite having work earlier or the next day, the crowd sang, stomped, and drank alongside The Ballroom Thieves. It was the best kind of bar crowd, and I felt as though I was a part of something exclusive. You had to know all the lyrics to each and every song, that was the condition and you were in.
At one point, my eyes rested on these group of men, beers in hand, who stood to the left of the stage where Devin was. They shouted the lyrics to each song on the top of their lungs in unison. The pride they hand in themselves and the band made me prideful-it was contagious. And at one point, during the set, one of the guys handed Devin his beer. And Devin, gladly accepted. Honestly it was well deserved, he needed it. His shirt turned to silk because he was sweating so profusely.
The next song felt like the calm down after a storm. The track was titled “Wait for Water” off their EP The Devil & The Deep. Truth be told, the entire show felt like being on board a ship and The Ballroom Thieves were both our captains and the ocean. When I say this I mean, they led the crowd and in return, received admiration, much like a captain. But they were just as powerful as the water that moved everyone forward. It was exhilarating. At one point during one of the many new songs they debut, Devin stood to level with Martin and Rachel, and they started shouting not to the audience but to the world it seemed. Needless to say it was epic.
Though I must say the highlight was when The Ballroom Thieves played (OUT OF NOWHERE) the Game of Thrones theme song. It was on point. I was almost in disbelief when I first heard it, I just never thought I would see that performed live. After they finished playing the song, Devin shouted into the mic “this kid said play more Lord of the Rings.” The crowd laughed. I never wanted to be friends with a band more.
- Allston Pudding
The energy was up. But believe me, The Ballroom Thieves could have amped up the crowd regardless. One hit on the djembe from percussionist/vocalist Devin Mauch and the crowd would have roared. And this isn’t even a hypothetical, it happened. The intensity and passion Devin, vocalist/guitarist Martin Earley, and cellist/vocalist Rachel Gawell had for the songs they delivered- it was hard to believe it was just three of them. The Ballroom Thieves would describe themselves as “rock disguised as folk.” I would say who the hell would have imagined an acoustic guitar, a cello, and a djembe could make so much ruckus.
They began their set with “Down By the River”, a song that reminded me of an old crew ship anthem that was sung to unit the men on board. Observing it all, it seemed to be just that. It was a Wednesday night, and despite having work earlier or the next day, the crowd sang, stomped, and drank alongside The Ballroom Thieves. It was the best kind of bar crowd, and I felt as though I was a part of something exclusive. You had to know all the lyrics to each and every song, that was the condition and you were in.
At one point, my eyes rested on these group of men, beers in hand, who stood to the left of the stage where Devin was. They shouted the lyrics to each song on the top of their lungs in unison. The pride they hand in themselves and the band made me prideful-it was contagious. And at one point, during the set, one of the guys handed Devin his beer. And Devin, gladly accepted. Honestly it was well deserved, he needed it. His shirt turned to silk because he was sweating so profusely.
The next song felt like the calm down after a storm. The track was titled “Wait for Water” off their EP The Devil & The Deep. Truth be told, the entire show felt like being on board a ship and The Ballroom Thieves were both our captains and the ocean. When I say this I mean, they led the crowd and in return, received admiration, much like a captain. But they were just as powerful as the water that moved everyone forward. It was exhilarating. At one point during one of the many new songs they debut, Devin stood to level with Martin and Rachel, and they started shouting not to the audience but to the world it seemed. Needless to say it was epic.
Though I must say the highlight was when The Ballroom Thieves played (OUT OF NOWHERE) the Game of Thrones theme song. It was on point. I was almost in disbelief when I first heard it, I just never thought I would see that performed live. After they finished playing the song, Devin shouted into the mic “this kid said play more Lord of the Rings.” The crowd laughed. I never wanted to be friends with a band more.
- Allston Pudding
For the Maimed & Tamed crew the bill for Saturday night at the Sinclair is just too good to be true. When the show was first announced I had to rub my eyes and pinch myself just to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. If you checked out our end of year lists in 2012 you’ll know that both of the opening bands made appearances. Mean Creek’s Youth Companion was our #15 album of the year, while The Ballroom Thieves’ “Loose Lips” took #28 in our best songs of 2012. The Thieves are also hard at work on their new album which you can find out more info on here.
It’s easy to see that we enjoy the recorded material that both of these bands have produced, but the reason why we are so excited for this show is that these are two of the best live bands in Boston right now.
With an acoustic guitar, a cello, and a djembe, you may not think The Ballroom Thieves to be a rock band, but with the energy that they bring to the stage they can unquestionably be classified as just that. With Mean Creek, frontman Chris Keene is somewhat of a punk-rock Bruce Springsteen, both in his on-stage flair and incredible storytelling abilities. All of this and we still haven’t come to the headliner…
Ireland’s Little Green Cars are certainly a contender for buzz band of the moment, having booked a headlining tour in the US and an appearance at Coachella without even releasing their debut album in the States. Normally this would be a head scratcher, but take a listen to lead single “The John Wayne” below and you’ll understand why people are springing at the chance to catch them in action.
Tickets are still (somehow) available for the show, so if you’re looking for the best Saturday night in town click here. - Maimed & Tamed Music Blog
Hold on to your socks Baltimore because we are doing it again. Those Who Dig is proud to present The Ballroom Thieves live this Friday March 1st at Liams Flynn's Ale House (22 W. North Avenue) starting at 8:30. There is no cover charge for this show but any and all support for our traveling troubadours is appreciated by way of tip or purchase of their merchandise. You can RSVP for the concert by stopping by our facebook event page and then when you're at the show please tweet Those Who Dig and the band your thoughts and/or photos with the hastag #twdpresents. We always love to hear from the Dig Nation.
You may remember The Ballroom Thieves from an article I wrote here last year but just in case you missed it they are comprised of Martin Earley (Guitar/Vocals) Devin Mauch (Percussion/Vocals) and Rachel Gawell (Cello/Vocals). This fly by night indie folk trio has been successfully romping around the country by way of Boston for over two years now and it's high time that they broke into town for their Baltimore debut. Furthermore, Rachel Gawell is an alumni of the Peabody Conservatory in cello performance so I expect all you music students in Mount Vernon to take a break from the ivory tower of your practice rooms and head on up to Liam Flynn's for a pint and a performance.
The Ballroom Thieves are not to be missed. With three part harmony, thoughtful songwriting, ripping cello solos, and a relentlessly engaging live persona The Ballroom Thieves bring energy and talent together in their music. Their debut EP The Devil & The Deep is a five song tour of the band's wide emotional pallet and sonic potential. Check out the band in action as they perform Down By The River live at Lake Champlain in upstate New York.
We are very pleased and excited to bring the Ballroom Thieves to town for their Baltimore debut. Stay in touch with The Ballroom Thieves before, during, and after the performance on Twitter (Martin Earley, Devin Mauch, & Rachel Gawell). You can also get at the band via Facebook, their official webpage, and itunes. See you Friday night. You dig? - Those Who Dig
Discography
The Devil & The Deep (2012)
The Ballroom Thieves EP (2013)
Photos
Bio
In January 2012 The Ballroom Thieves broke into the Boston alternative scene with a five-song, foot-stomping EP entitled The Devil & The Deep. Since their debut release the trio has captivated audiences with their unique instrumentation and dazzling three-part vocal harmonies. In the span of just one year they have performed at over 30 colleges nationwide, shared the stage with established acts such as Dispatch, The Lone Bellow, Houndmouth, Little Green Cars and The Apache Relay, and played to sold-out crowds at The Sinclair, Mercury Lounge, Great Scott and the historic Club Passim in Cambridge, MA.
The Ballroom Thieves consistently deliver inspiring live performances highlighted by the group's infectious passion and raw energy, which are unrivaled in the local music scene. The sonic diversity of their growing repertoire allows the band to entrance an intimate listening room one night and entertain a large festival crowd the next. The band played Canadian Music Week 2013, and their next release is slated for the fall of 2013.
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