STREETLIGHT MANIFESTO, a band name that, when I first heard it, became indelibly etched in my mind. Nevertheless, the band has somehow always passed me by. I haven't really engaged with the combo from New Jersey until now. The reason this has changed is due to the band's new album, which has already played through my speakers nearly a dozen times.
“The Hands that thieve“ is a multifaceted album, both musically and lyrically. Unfortunately, I do not have the lyrics in printed form, so I can only say so much about them. Generally, it is always good to have the lyrics from bands, especially when they have politically or socially engaged texts. Only then can one interpret the album as a whole and give the songs the attention they deserve.
As far as the lyrics can be deciphered, the band takes a hard stance against everything, starting with the first song “The three of us“ and continuing throughout the entire album. The title of the album alone already indicates the direction.
The band also repeatedly emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself, not losing hope, and trying to draw new strength from the small glimmers of hope one has in life. Not becoming like those who make life difficult.
These heavy themes are wrapped in the band's very own interpretation of ska punk. This lightens the weight of the lyrics.
STREETLIGHT MANIFESTO mixes ska brass sections, brass, skate punk, and driving punk rock together. The result feels like a Long Island Iced Tea. You immediately feel pleasantly intoxicated by the melodies and appreciate that no sugary coating detracts from the mixed drink.
In terms of sound, the band sometimes reminds one of Talco from Italy, although this is more due to the arrangements of the songs than the music itself.
There are only ten songs on the album, but all ten songs are great. There are no weak points and no song that falls flat. These are 10 hits that STREETLIGHT MANIFESTO presents here. “The Hands that thieve“ is absolutely convincing!
