ALBUM REVIEW: DIY – Lucky Thief

A DIY approach is always praised no matter what it is, whether it be decorating a bedroom or making your debut album; for Ed Jefferson of LUCKY THIEF it was the latter (he’s probably decorated a bedroom or two as well though). His debut record titled DIY touts his approach to life and creating the most authentic piece of art that reflects himself in it. Within he boasts towering rock atmospheres which lean on the more commercial side that could be found listening to the likes of ROYAL BLOOD, and DIY’s anthemic attitude encourages catharsis to spill out of LUCKY THIEF’s seams. 

The squeaky clean, commercial, sound puts into question how DIY the album really is in the first place; it’s not the most fitting name when you’ve had someone master your album that has also mastered the work of THE ROLLING STONES. With that being said the sound has a brilliance about it from start to finish. Opener Landlubber makes a lasting impression with an intimidating grandeur, while Silencer incorporates fast rock ‘n’ roll to up the ante against the arena-sized sound. Picking up the pace bodes well for LUCKY THIEF in that he doesn’t get lost amongst the size of his sound.

Nomad feels purely solemn and hits more of a swelling emo note, like it was made in a garage whilst intensely sweating. As it swells it matches the powerful moments of more energetic tracks as to not feel subdued in comparison. Filthy and Crocodile Smiles cast a shadow on the album, approaching with more serious subjects. The former matches what it says on the tin, beginning with a disgusting riff which will produce the most stank of looks on your face, the latter has smugness about it that looms in the air. Insincerity is thick, acting as looking glass into LUCKY THIEF’s perception.

The interesting, yet annoying, thing with DIY is that there’s so many layers within the record that sometimes you find yourself lost amongst the sheer amount of tracks making attempts to impress with their size. Where on the contrary the most remarkable track is Nomad, it’s centred and composed and is more than voluminous indulgence. Vulnerability being a part of its sound as well as its lyrical content makes for a more coherent delivery of the message that LUCKY THIEF tries to convey. Between being over indulgent and the slightly confusing title, you can probably get past the latter but DIY can feel like a disconnected endeavour at times between its high quality and concept. 

Rating: 6/10

DIY is set for release on August 25th via self-release.

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