Thieves Like Us (band)
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2002 in Berlin, Germany |
| Founder | Andy Grier |
| Headquarters | Berlin , Germany |
| Products | Music albums, singles, music videos |
Thieves Like Us is an international electronic music ensemble fronted by singer and guitarist Andy Grier, featuring a dynamic roster of musicians based across Berlin, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia.
Style
Their musical approach fuses electronic sounds with inspirations drawn from krautrock, Italo disco, glam punk, French touch, and hip-hop genres. The group classifies itself within the pop music category. They are distinguished by a consistent visual identity, with album covers and music videos meticulously created by Grier, who incorporates footage from 1970s European cinema.
History
Formed in 2002 in Berlin's Mauerpark area, the band originally consisted of Andy Grier (vocals), Pontus Berghe (drums), and Björn Berglund (keyboards). After several years of independent production, including the instrumental track "Berlin, Alex," their debut commercial single "Drugs In My Body" was released in 2007 through the French label Kitsuné.
Their 2008 record Play Music came out via Shelflife Records and was produced across multiple cities—Berlin, London, New York, and Stockholm—reflecting the members’ dispersed locations. In 2010, they followed up with Again And Again, which featured the song "Never Known Love." Transitioning to Captured Tracks, they reissued Berlin, Alex and commenced work on their fourth album Bleed Bleed Bleed, which took on a darker tone with more political themes and a reduced emphasis on electronic elements. This album introduced additional vocalists Martine Duverglas and Anna De Marco alongside drummer Dani Imhoff; Duverglas shared lead vocal duties with Grier.
The release of Bleed Bleed Bleed in 2012 suffered from internal band tensions and reportedly insufficient promotional efforts by their label, resulting in disappointing sales. Subsequently, Berghe and Berglund exited the group, leading to tours supported by session players. In 2013, Grier brought in British bassist Thomas Franklin and Berlin-based drummer Tore Knipping. Extensive touring followed, culminating in the self-titled fifth album Thieves Like Us, released in January 2017 to favorable critiques from outlets such as Pitchfork and Consequence Of Sound. Prior to this album, they issued a cover version of Blood Orange’s "Sutphin Boulevard," accompanied by a video. Although critical opinions have varied over time, the band retains a dedicated cult audience across Europe and Latin America.
Members
- Andy Grier – vocals, guitar
- Chris Wackrow – guitar
- Ramona Strummer – synthesizer
- Thomas Franklin – bass guitar
- Tore Knipping – drums
- Martine Duverglas – backing vocals
- Mia Von Matt – backing vocals
- Monika Martinez – backing vocals
Past members
- Björn Berglund – synthesizer
- Pontus Berghe – drums
- Dani Imhoff – drums
- Annie De Marco – backing vocals
Albums
- Berlin, Alex (2007), self-released
- Play Music (2008), Shelflife/Seayou Records
- Again And Again (2010), Shelflife/DeBonton
- Bleed Bleed Bleed (2012), Captured Tracks
- Thieves Like Us (2017), Seayou Records
Singles and EPs
- "Drugs In My Body/Fass" 12" (2007), Kitsuné
- "Your Heart Feels" 12" (2008), Seayou
- "Really Like To See You Again" 12" (2009), Shelflife
- "Shyness" 12" (2010), Kitsuné
- "One Night With You" 12" (2010), Kitsuné
- "Your Love Runs Still" EP (2011), Captured Tracks
Music videos
- "Drugs Within Me" (2007)
- "Headfirst Into Night" (2008)
- "First Part's Program" (2009)
- "Longing" (2009)
- "Your Heart Senses" (2010)
- "Unknown Love" (2010)
- "Do Not Forget" (2011)
- "Lover, Lover" (2012)
- "Your Love Continues" (2012)
- "Remain Blue" (2013)
- "Maria, Marie" (2013)
- "Sutphin Blvd." (2015)
- "Jennifer" (2016)
- "Shattered Mirror" (2017)