Welcome to Nothing But Thieves' dystopian "Dead Club City"
English rock band Nothing But Thieves released their fourth studio album this weekend, ushering in a new sound and new era for the band. Building on the adventurous nature of their previous releases which have mixed hip-hop, dance-pop, R&B, and more into their sound, Dead Club City is a bold concept album, based on the idea of a city-sized members-only club. The tracklist builds stories and characters both within and outside the city, set in a dystopian future.
The record opens with "Welcome to the DCC", an upbeat synth-based dance track that welcomes you into the dystopian world of Dead Club City. Up next, "Overcome" has the heart of the more traditional alt-rock sound, leaning into the guitar riffs and groovy melodies. "Tomorrow is Closed" maintains the upbeat rock sound with catchy riffs and tight drums that takes you farther into the lives of those in the dystopian city, that may not be as perfect as promised.
As the lives of those in the city unravel, "Keeping You Around" gives you an inner look with lyrics like Tell me how a modern human should be / It’s so easy / You’re so pretty when you lie to me. "City Haunts" takes a different tone as lead singer Conor Mason shows off the range of his vocal tone, creating a sound that stands out from the rest of the album.
Reminiscent of eighties new wave riffs, "Do You Love Me Yet?" is self-aware in its criticism of the music industry and the people who occupy it. Lyrics such as Exploit a fan base and call it love / Be controversial but just enough / It sounds kinda like ELO / get sued but you’ll meet a hero are a stark reflection on the current state of the music industry. "Members Only" builds on the exclusionary nature of society, centering on the rejection of people based on trivial standards.
"Green Eyes :: Siena" slows down the album to reflect on what makes us stay, or leave, certain places and people in pursuit of an idealized lifestyle in a light, dreamy track. "Foreign Language" moves back into the synth base from earlier tracks in the album. An upbeat love story between someone inside the city and someone outside, it touches on maintaining this connection despite misunderstood communications and separation.
Chewed up by life in Dead Club City, "Talking to Myself" is a slower rhythmic track, moving back to the basics of being at peace alone with yourself. The final track on the record, "Pop The Balloon" is the heaviest and takes on a life of its own as it ends the story of the Dead Club City in a loud revolt against the principles of this idealized society.
Dead Club City takes you on a journey through this dystopian society and the lives of those inside it in Nothing But Thieves' most adventurous record yet. The combination of synth-based tracks with their rock roots creates a unique sound to usher in their newest era.