Name: The Candle Thieves
Release: Sunshine and Other Misfortunes
Release Date: 5th April 2010
Website: www.myspace.com/thecandlethieves
Who would have thought an album with so many references to death could be so lovely. The Candle Thieves debut album is full of tunes to make you wanna go out, have a picnic with a loved one and look at clouds yet somehow, I guess in the same way Dashboard Confessional managed it with some of their songs, with less depression mind, they have created an album that makes you happy with the idea of death.
The first track “We’re All Gonna Die (Have Fun)” is a perfect example of this. A jolly keyboard intro makes you wanna bob your head like a nodding dog to the thought that we are gonna die soon so lets live our lives and have a good time. “The Sunshine Song” again is such a lovely song about rainbows and love yet they manage to get the line “you are beautiful, but you’ve got to die someday” in there. So sweet yet strangely morbid. Other tracks later in the album like “Not The Only One” start a bit more on the depressing side with what sounds like a life support machine at the start yet somehow pull off with the tracks beauty and honesty. What’s great about these songs though is you won’t be depressed in the slightest. In fact your more likely to wanna invite your friends over for a BBQ and then go for a swim!
It’s not all death though, I mean this isn’t a Slayer album or something. Tracks like “My Love Will Clap Its Hands For You”, one of my personal favourites, is one of those tracks destined to appear on one of those mobile phone adverts with people walking in sunsets and old people hugging. Whack this on on a sunny morning and it will defiantly get you in a good mood. “Catching Wasps” and “My Little Room” are again upbeat and summery and the whole album carry’s a great vibe and takes you on a bitter-sweet trip of emotions.
Overall this album is quite simply brilliant. The Candle Thieves are defiantly a refreshing break from whats around at the moment and this album is full of songs ready for you to attach your summer memories to and put a smile on your face. The Candle Thieves….stealing candles and peoples hearts since 1864. Im off to catch a wasp!
Reviewer: Chris Hines
