Following the breakup of Brooklyn-based KEXP favorites Pela, half of the group went on to carry the torch of anthemic rock in We Are Augustines, but guitarist Nate Martinez sought a different path through Thieving Irons. Whereas Pela’s power punch belied raw soul-baring lyrics, Martinez’s introspection lies instead in his instrumentation and layered compositions. Thieving Irons’ debut, This Midnight Hum, drew easy comparisons to Wilco in its twangy sonic experimentation, easy harmonies and even Martinez’s vocal style. Hints of the forthcoming new album, though, showcase a more expansive and adventurous sound (see our Song of the Day podcast feature on “So Long”).
To preview a few of these new songs, Thieving Irons performed exclusively for KEXP live in the basement offices of the Ace Hotel NYC during our broadcast at CMJ 2011. To provide just a taste of the new album’s dreamy sound, friend and Thieving Irons collaborator Dan Brantigan accompanied Martinez with a bong-like vintage synth module called an EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument). Check out the videos below and tune in to KEXP on Tuesday, February 21, at 9AM PST for a live session with Thieving Irons from The Cutting Room Studios NYC.
