Thieves In A Giving Mood

Erik Sorensen (Video)

Company of Thieves hit the ground running in 2007 and haven’t stopped since. And while few things in 2008 can be predicted with certainty, this act’s success is a safe bet.

I caught up with the guys (and girl) after their most recent performance, and it seems the weather isn’t the only thing that’s changed since the last time you saw them. Brad Sawicki (bass) and Jim Ratke (drums) are the newest additions to the lineup, and former Wax On Radio member, Scott Heatherly has assumed permanent keyboard duty, as opposed to select appearances from Ryan Gray. Fresh off a group of East Coast performances, including the Yahoo! Billboard Live! showcase in New York City, the band returned to Chicago for it’s biggest hometown gig to date with the new lineup, which served an even larger purpose.

Joining Company of Thieves on the Metro bill were: Skybox, The Young Sea and Sars Flannery: All of them playing for Illinois based chairties. The Tolbert Refugee Assistance Foundation as well as the Dave Eggers 826CHI Organization (dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills) both benefited directly from the elaborate performance.

C.O.T. Vocalist Genevieve Schatz recently collaborated on a track with Kevin Prchal (The Young Sea), Adam Krier (Lucky Boys Confusion, American Taxi),Ryan O’Neil (Sleeping at Last), Mikey Russell (Wax on Radio), and Dan Monahan (Last Fast Action). The song can be purchased at www.myspace.com/theyoungsea. All proceeds go to the Bryan House charity.

A special thanks to Daniel Shaughnessy (dshaughnessy47@gmail.com) for filming/editing the event and interview.

For donations and information on the 826CHI and Bryan House charities, visit:
http://www.826chi.org/ andhttp://www.bryanhouse.org/

Info and showdates:
http://www.myspace.com/CompanyofThieves

Click here for a previous review on Company of Thieves.

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In Good Company

Erik Sorensen (Video)

Every once in a while, a band comes along that separates you from your conversation, seizes the attention of the room from beginning to end, and leaves you saying “Wow”. That moment came as soon as “Company of Thieves” set foot on-stage at The Beat Kitchen (Chicago) for their full-length CD debut.

In an era when many mainstream acts rely heavily on pyrotechnics, dancers and costume changes to entertain; how refreshing to see a band capture you with raw talent. Laced with traces of Funk and Jazz, Company of Thieves‘ unique Indie Rock sound makes it hard to peg them into any one category. Believe me, I tried. (I’ve never used the backspace key that much in my life). But while I lack the category to describe them, this much is certain: These guys, (and girl) can play.

From front to back, there’s not a chink in their melodic armor. Marc Walloch’s guitar work beams with originality and innovative style, while Dorian Duffy (Bass) and Mike Ortiz (Percussion) combine forces to form the Thieve’s driving rhythm section. At the front of the band, is Genevieve Schatz, who’s combination of sultry singing and hypnotic stage presence push the band into a spectrum all their own. And it’s easy to see how, after only a short while, they’ve managed to acquire such a loyal fan base.

The band’s first full-length album, “Ordinary Riches,” is well on its way toward propelling Company of Thieves into local favorites status. (Quite a feat, considering they had only been together for 4 months before teaming up with accomplished producer, Sean O’Keefe to create the album). “Putting in the time, effort and money to get a solid foundation and representation of the band was necessary for us to come out strong,” explains bassist, Dorian Duffy. “…No sense in wasting time.” That, they are not.

On July 14th, C.O.T. will take the stage at Metro (Chicago) for the second time in as many months. Joining them on the bill will be established Chicago rock band, Wax On Radio. “We really want to focus on touring and getting this album out to as many people as possible,” adds Duffy. So far, it’s working. One by one, C.O.T. continues to earn their way into the hearts and ears of Chicago fans. The only thing these thieves are stealing – is the show.

To listen to Company of Thieves, and for additional show info, visit:
www.Myspace.com/CompanyofThieves

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