Thieves Like Us is a multinational electronic music band formed in Berlin, Germany, in 2002. The band is led by American vocalist and guitarist Andy Grier, with a fluid lineup of members from Berlin, the UK, and Scandinavia.
Origin: Berlin, Germany Genres: Electronic music, post-punk, synth-pop, indie electronic Years active: 2002–present Labels: Shelflife Records, Kitsuné, Seayou, Captured Tracks
History
The band was founded after American Andy Grier met Swedish musicians Pontus Berghe (drums) and Björn Berglund (keyboards) in Berlin's Mauerpark in 2002. The trio began DJing together and producing their own electronic music. The band's name is taken from the 1984 New Order song (not the 1974 Robert Altman film).
After several years of self-producing, including the instrumental/ambient album Berlin, Alex (2005), they were discovered by the French imprint Kitsuné, which released their first commercial single, "Drugs In My Body," in 2007. Their debut full-length album Play Music was released in 2008 on Seayou Records and Shelflife Records. The band's third album, Again And Again (2010), featured the popular track "Never Known Love."
After moving to Captured Tracks, the band released Bleed Bleed Bleed (2012), a darker, more political album. Following this release, both Berghe and Berglund left the band. Grier recruited new members including bassist Thomas Franklin and drummer Tore Knipping, and the self-titled album Thieves Like Us was released in January 2017 to positive reviews from outlets including Pitchfork and Consequence of Sound.
Style
The band's music features heavy use of electronic elements and is influenced by krautrock, Italo disco, glam punk, French touch, and hip-hop. Thieves Like Us consider themselves a pop group. They are noted for strict branding, with all releases following a consistent format for covers and music videos, the latter created by Andy Grier using footage from 1970s European cinema.
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, Pontus Berghe, Dani Imhoff, Anna De Marco
Discography (Albums)
- Berlin, Alex (2005/2007, self-released; reissued 2011 on Captured Tracks)
- Play Music (2008, Shelflife/Seayou Records)
- Again And Again (2010, Shelflife/DeBonton)
- Bleed Bleed Bleed (2012, Captured Tracks)
- Thieves Like Us (2017, Seayou Records)
