Sneaky Thieves

Some Sneaky Thieves facts you may use for purposes good or ill: Sneaky Thieves write brooding, somber, atmospheric songs. The band was formed by brothers Robert and Freddy Bale in 2003. Together they forged a sound built on a bedrock of acoustic minimalism and dusty electronic experiments. With an unmistakable vocal style and penchant for eerie, theatrical delivery, their songs speak to some of the darker, existential moments in life.

Sneaky Thieves write brooding, somber, atmospheric songs. The band was formed by brothers Robert and Freddy Bale in 2003. Together they forged a sound built on a bedrock of acoustic minimalism and dusty electronic experiments. With an unmistakable vocal style and penchant for eerie, theatrical delivery, their songs speak to some of the darker, existential moments in life. Brendan McDevitt joined the group in late 2003 and in the summer of 2005, Brendan's brother, Darby McDevitt, joined the group a fortnight before their first recording session.

The record "accident(s)" was completed in late 2005. In January 2006, the four Sneaky Thieves enlisted the help of multi-instrumentalist Bryant Moore to help recreate the lush sound of the album for live shows. They agree this was the smartest move they ever made, as Bryant's 60's-era guitar style would lend heavily to the band's future songwriting. "accident(s)" then saw a proper release by Other Electricities in October 2006. Their sophomore album, "Brotherly," was completed in early 2009.

"Brotherly" is a monstrous album, sonically rich and stylistically diverse, teetering on a trembling foundation of glass, flame, and stormwater; thematically, it charts the slow dissipation of faith and hope in an increasingly dissolute world. We shudder at the thought that those closest to our heart are the very people most capable of damaging it; as Freddy sings in "Quarry," "...and the wolves set out upon me, in a way most brotherly." But, set deep in these shadows cast on vacant walls, there is hope. When the light outside is lacking, we ignite our own fires and carry on, pushing, straining, punching through the dark, into the limitless galore.

Here is an incomplete list of influences on the Sneaky Thieves: Werner Herzog. Napoleon Bonaparte. Yacht Rock. Will Oldham. Brian May. Talk Talk. John Millington Synge. Friends and Families. Brian Eno. Leos Carax.

Thank you for your kind attention.