Attention Thieves were that band who seemed to be everywhere a couple of years ago – they played some great shows, went on some fantastic tours, released a few solid EPs and singles, and then…poof. They simply disappeared and went quiet without a trace.
That’s because a week before the release of their EP ‘Hard Truths’, the band’s label went bust, which led to them being dropped by their management team, due to the massive campaign debt that the label had left them with. But that’s not all – vocalist Alex Green then suffered a heart attack, at the age of 27, due to his addiction to pain medication, which he had originally been taking in order to tour with the band after slipping a disk.
But, after some time away, they’ve come back, stronger and bigger than ever with their debut album, ‘Year Of the Jackal’ and it’s an album that tells of the band’s triumph in bouncing back.
‘Crooked Teeth’ is a rousing opening track; Green’s vocals simply shine through, alternating between his soaring cleans and guttural screams. They crush speed and aggression together, creating roaring tracks such as ‘If You’re Not With Us’, laden with adrenaline.
‘Doubts’ is emotional, pulling on the heart-strings with lyrics such as, “I’ve been looking back, listening to old songs/they don’t sound the same anymore/still the record plays/but something’s changed” – a gut wrenching, yet honest, reflection on the band themselves and how they’ve felt in the last few months, as they’ve battled their demons.
But, as corny as it sounds, Attention Thieves shouldn’t have any doubts about themselves and their music. Their gritty riffs are engaging and loud; they know how to create hook-laden tracks, as demonstrated during ‘You’ll Never Learn’ and the straight up pop-rock track of ‘Tell Me’. Bold and vibrant choruses are thrown about during ‘The Jackal’, while there are catchy melodies galore in ‘Culture Of Fear’.
‘Year Of the Jackal’ is a sure sign that Attention Thieves have returned to form. It’s the raging debut album that they should have created and released years ago, but certain hiccups prevented them from doing so. Here’s hoping that they haven’t missed their chance to shine and rise up in the ranks to join the big leagues.
JESS TAGLIANI