HNAF: An Outstanding Concept Album by Nothing But Thieves – ‘Dead Club City’
Rating 9/10 – Excellent Album
Nothing But Thieves’ latest album, Dead Club City, marks a bold and adventurous evolution in their sound and storytelling. This fourth studio effort is a concept album that dives deep into the exploration of a dystopian cityscape, laden with diverse narratives, societal critiques, and an exploration of human emotions within its confines. The band’s ambitious undertaking blends a rich variety of musical styles, including rock, disco, soul, funk, and hip-hop, ensuring that no two tracks sound the same, offering listeners a unique experience with every song.
Dead Club City stands out for its crisp, cleaner cut production and the addition of funkier, poppier undertones—a fresh direction from their previous work. Tracks like “Welcome To The DCC” and “City Haunts” showcase the band’s capacity for creating huge, floor-filling bangers, highlighted by Conor Mason’s stunning falsetto and thunderous guitar riffs. Yet, it’s not just about the high-energy numbers; the album also features emotionally resonant pieces like “Green Eyes,” a love song that demonstrates the band’s softer, more introspective side.
We praised the album for its high level of production and the seamless blending of genres, from the spacey, laid-back rap-style delivery in “Keeping You Around” to the epic, multi-part symphony of “Pop The Balloon.” This track, in particular, has been lauded for its explosive riffs, booming drums, and an atmosphere that keeps listeners on the edge of their seat. However, it’s worth noting that while Dead Club City is exhilarating, it’s not without its lows; certain tracks may not deliver as well as others, but this is largely subjective and dependent on your personal musical tastes. Check out their latest track below:
