Thievery Corporation at The Outset in Chicago
Thievery Corporation is a musical epiphany, and to witness kinship is to admire the sublime onstage energy and production. It’s no wonder this electronic duo has remained at the top of their game for nearly 30 years. Formed in the summer of 1995, Rob Garza and Eric Hilton have accumulated a discography of top-tier electronic music, accompanied by their smooth instrumentals and captivating vocals.
Fans packed into The Outset in Chicago, IL, immersed in a captivating atmosphere and eagerly anticipating a setlist full of melodic grooves. Thievery Corporation’s expansive creativity shines as they effortlessly navigate a wide range of genres—from reggae and Bossa nova to hip-hop, Middle Eastern influences, and more. Each genre blends seamlessly, with every beat, chord, note, and key flowing into the next without a single misstep. Every musician brings their own unique energy and talent, transforming each song into something greater, all while maintaining a beautiful, unified flow. As I looked around at the crowd, I saw countless smiling faces. Fans were nodding their heads, dancing freely, their eyes shimmering in awe of the stunning performance unfolding before them.
The band kicks off their cross-cultural show with 'A Warning (Dub)' from their debut album, Sounds From The Thievery Hi-Fi—a 1997 dub classic that remains influential in today’s downtempo and trip-hop scene. The sultry 'Lebanese Blonde' from The Mirror Conspiracy introduces vocalist Laura Hall, who mesmerizes the audience with her enchanting performance. The band’s jaw-dropping talent is on full display, setting the perfect stage for a live show that truly captures the essence of Thievery Corporation. Their energy pulses through the venue, making it impossible not to get hooked by the performance. The harmonic vibe carried on as 'Mandala' from Radio Retaliation, showcased Rob Myers' mastery of the sitar fueled by the beats of the double percussion.
Guest vocalists Raquel Jones and American Rapper, Mr. Lif brought energy to the stage with the performances of 'Letter to the Editor' and 'Ghetto Matrix' from Temple of I & I. Raquel Jones, a Jamaican artist, first joined Thievery Corporation on tour in 2016 and has since made a name for herself with powerful solo work that showcases her visual, passionate, and unique artistry. The trio of vocalists added dimension to the show, elevated the crowd engagement — which paired with the diverse instrumentals; created an unforgettable live experience.
