Chicago – Every so often you discover a band in its infancy and enjoy the pleasures of watching it grow into something even more magical than ever imagined. The Ballroom Thieves are one such band for me. I first discovered the Boston trio of guitarist Martin Earley, percussionist Devin Mauch, and cellist Calin “Callie” Peters when they played Space in Evanston, IL last year. Their incredible indie folk left me with my chin on the floor! After the show, Mauch informed me they’d be releasing a full-length come spring of 2015. The time has finally come for The Ballroom Thieves to release their stunning debut A Wolf In The Doorway (Blue Corn Music)… and it has surpassed all my expectations!
The album opens with “Archers,” a song that The Ballroom Thieves have been playing live for quite some time, yet never tires. It’s the perfect song to start the album off, as it showcases Earley’s accomplished acoustic skills, Mauch’s creative mix of percussion, Peters’ brilliant cello playing, and the group’s remarkable harmonizing. “Anchors” is another song the trio has been playing live, but hearing this recording is another experience of its own, with the added horns. Same goes for the instrumental “Oak,” with the additional strings. Hopefully at some point they’ll be able to bring some extra horn and string players on tour with them because hearing these versions live would be wonderful.
The cello on the opening of “Lantern” is phenomenal! It draws you in, then the drums join in, making your heart beat in anticipation for what’s next: witty lyrics complimented by the trio’s fantastic harmonizing. Martin Earley sings, “The heart’s a two-faced fortune teller. It strangles honesty and ties it to a post, when a seat upon a bar stool would be better.”
“Bullet” takes you back to simpler times, feeling as though you’re sipping on hooch and dancing a little jig around a bonfire with friends. It dares you not to clap and sing along, with a smile on your face.
“Wild Woman” is the perfect song for all those missing the acoustic sounds of Mumford & Sons… of course there aren’t any banjos, but who needs a banjo when you’ve got a cello! Although, you’ll get your banjo later. That said, The Ballroom Thieves do get a little electric themselves, with the standout track “Oars to the Sea.” Man, the attitude on this song! Earley belts out the lyrics with hoarse emotion, and his guitar sings that emotion, too. One listen and you’ll be quick to understand why Mauch told us in a recent interview “Oars to the Sea” is one of his favorite songs to play live.
“Bury Me Smiling” follows “Wild Woman,” with fabulous juxtaposition. Callie Peters’ gentle vocals calm your soul. Halfway through the song, Mauch comes in beating on his hand drum with his drumstick, while he and Earley add more bass with added vocals, which eventually build the song up, yet never detract from Peters’ beautiful lyrics. It’s enough to bring tears to your eyes.
One of the strongest tracks on the album is the bluesy “Wolf.” The Ballroom Thieves take you down South with this modern Delta darling. Earley again knocks it out of the park with his vocals, and the backing by banjo, trumpet, and clarinet makes it all the better.
A Wolf In The Doorway is a magnificent debut! You’d be doing yourself a disservice not adding this gem to your music collection.
A Wolf In The Doorway is available for purchase on Amazon and iTunes. The Ballroom Thieves will be touring in support of their debut album. I highly suggest you see these guys live!
For a list of tour dates, head over to The Ballroom Thieves’ facebook page.
Photo Credit: One Love Photo
Sarah Hess
After attending The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Sarah went on to study education at Dominican University, earning a degree in history. When not teaching, writing, or taking in a show, she is most likely to be found with a camera to her eye or hanging out in a darkroom.
You can follow Sarah Hess on twitter at @Sarahhasanh and view her music photography on her website: smhimaging.com.
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