IV Thieves is the name of the band formerly known as Nic Armstrong and the Thieves. As the story goes, after touring in support of their first album, the other band members became so integral to the group that Nic’s name was taken off the band name. Isn’t that a nice story? It seems like it usually goes the other way, doesn’t it? I understand using the name Thieves; Nic/nick, slang for to steal, and they’re from the home of Robin Hood; but what about the IV? Is it a roman numeral representing the four members of the band, or do these Nottingham lads actually nick IVs from hospital patients or drug users? Or maybe they are supporters of randomized experiments in statistics, so they steal Instrumental Variables from regression analyses to produce inconsistent estimates. I can’t decide whether these guys are Roman, cruel, or math nerds. Perhaps they’re all three, like Caligula with a pocket-protector. (Possible title for their next album?)
I think I’d make a horrible juror. Lawyers can be so sneaky, using their wiles to trap you into thinking whatever their client is hoping, and I tend to fall for the same old tricks. Take for instance my appreciation for singers with imperfect voices: I’m always convinced that the reason those who screech their way through songs are better is that they must actually feel the words stumbling out of their mouths. It’s such a clever ploy, and I’ve found another sneaky band to add to my list of favorites: the Archie Bronson Outfit.
Like Leonard Cohen or Peter Murphy or Nick Cave, Stuart A. Staples has a deep voice that holds onto notes long enough for each to resonate in that dolorous section of the brain. Add a little slow organ underneath, to…
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