Friday, October 26, 8 p.m.
The Redstone Room, 129 Main Street, Davenport IA
Performing in support of their 2018 EP Paper Crown, the indie-folk musicians of The Ballroom Thieves play Davenport's Redstone Room on October 26, the lauded trio's latest release inspiring ConsequenceOfSound.net to rave: “The Thieves find new ways to blend the old-school pop and country sensibilities of Etta James and Willie Nelson with gang harmonies and rumbling folk for a sound that’s bigger and sturdier than ever before.”
Formed earlier this decade by guitarist Martin Earley and drummer Devin Mauch, the Boston-based Ballroom Thieves originated as a folk duo, performing together at North Easton, Massachusetts' Stonehill College before Earley graduated and the pair took their act on the road. After a couple of years of duet performance, Earley and Mauch hired a session-musician cellist for the recording of their first EP, and were so inspired by the band's new sound that they decided to add the instrument full-time, recruiting Berklee College of Music student Callie Peters to join as the group's cello player.
In 2015, the new trio recorded and released A Wolf in the Doorway, which collected a dozen of the artists' compositions for what Indigits.net deemed “an authentic expedition into folk, intertwined with influences of gospel, a touch of melancholy, and some thoughtful harmonious sounds,” and RedLineRoots.com lauded for the musicians' “unwavering passion and chemistry.” Meanwhile, SoundOfBoston.com praised “the magical world The Ballroom Thieves have constructed with their harmonies, expert playing, and unyielding passion,” and in 2016, amidst numerous national-tour stops, The Ballroom Thieves self-released their sophomore effort Deadeye. The recording earned more of the plaudits the trio's fans have come to expect, with EarthToTheGroundMusic.co's Greg Jones stating, “The vocal harmonies are the highlight for me, but other listeners might find the composition, unconventional styling, and string work just as compelling … . All told, this album is fantastic.”
The Ballroom Thieves play the Redstone Room on October 26 with an opening set by Odetta Hartman, admission to the 8 p.m. show is $15-18, and more information and tickets are available by calling (563)326-1333 or visiting RiverMusicExperience.org.
