EP review: STONE THIEVES – Church Of The Medicine Man

3MS Music [Release date 14.02.20]

Stone Thieves are a London band who have been building a solid reputation with their Americana repertoire. One might argue that the music is American rock or even Southern Rock, rather than pure Americana, but you get the picture. In fact, the listener needs to first get past the mild absurdity of swamp music coming from London, with the music’s references to Soho bars and with YouTube scenes of London. But do that and you’re then rewarded with rather good sounds from a more than competent band.

The liner notes refer to them building on the narrative songs of Petty, Springsteen and Young. A bit of a heady claim, but it turns out to be true. Musically, there’s a whole lot of rock arrangements, with jangly, distorted guitar and more than a little nod to Creedence along the way.

The EP opens with “Wheels” (not the Gram Parsons song). This track is very derivative of Tom Petty, with The Byrds thrown in – but hey that’s not a bad thing. A good more than solid rock song.

“Medicine Man” is up next, with the singer Aaron Gardner looking to him to “come on up bring something for my blues”. This is another good southern rock track – and it gives the EP it’s title by “praying at the church of the medicine man”.

Excellent vocals dominate “Let the Good Times Roll”. The feel is very much Rolling Stones. Maybe the band have literally lived up to their name here! Very reminiscent of the Faces as well, so good pedigree!

These tracks definitely grow on you and I’d highly recommend giving the EP a listen.

Review by Iain McGonigal

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