Thieves’ Kitchen

Ever since it was found out that Thomas Johnson (keyboards) of Anglagard fame was added as a full time member to the line-up that recorded Shibboleth in 2003, the expectations for Thieves’ Kitchen fourth album simply sky-rocketed. Everyone was curious to see if the innovative rock band can match and even surpass their highly acclaimed previous studio effort. The expectations were met, that is what I think. In addition to the five regular members: Any Darby (vocals and percussion), Phil Mercy (guitars), Andy Bonham (bass), Mark Robotham (drums) and Thomas Johnson (keyboards) the album features a few guests, most notable being Anna Holmgren (flute). Holmgren is also a former member of Anglagard. She appears on 6 or the 8 songs, so she can be considered almost a full member. Stina Petterson (cello), Paul Beecham (oboe and saxophones) and Mattias Olsson (loops – third member of Anglagard that appears on this record) are completing the list of guests. The Anglagard connection goes even further as Johnson has recorded some parts of the album in Mattias Olsson’s studio in Stockholm. Phil Mercy, Amy Darby and Thomas Johnson have written the music with Darby contributing some very mature lyrics. Apparently, there has been a creational match made in heaven between Mercy and Johnson.

With so many Anglagard alumni involved here, one legit question would be whether the Swedish band has reformed under a different moniker. Well, yes and no. There is an undeniable Anglagard vibe to the music, more melancholic than dramatic. Most likely is Johnson’s Mellotron inundating the album that contributes to that overall feeling. However, the music is not as dark and somber as Anglagard. What sets Thieves’ Kitchen apart though is Phil Mercy’s ability to leave his very original mark. Mercy is one formidable musician, not because he plays in a flashy way, but because his guitar leads most of the songs. Finally, Amy Darby vocals complete the originality of the band. She sounds like Annie Haslam with a lower-tonality voice but displaying the angular inflections of Bjork. Guaranteed to be love at first hearing.