Today's Country

 Contributed by: Chelsea Rae

A New Era Arrives With The Debut Of World Wide Open

Love And Theft splits your world wide open from the moment you begin to listen, you’re left to wonder what will happen next as the trio winds through the title track prophetically dubbed, “World Wide Open,” this tune delivers a message to the dreamers out there as does much of the album. As if you weren’t already allured by what you have just heard they step it up a notch as the bands current single, “Runaway,” chimes in, a driving drum beat paired with a growling electric get your head bangin’. I was enthralled with the lyrics and intensely followed line by line; I couldn’t wait to see how the story would unfold. This album is incredibly fresh yet familiar in its sound, comparable to your favorite pair of old worn in jeans. The record lends itself to some Christian undertones throughout but especially in, “Dancing In Circles,” With lyrics such as, “I don’t understand why/ we do what we do to each other/ according to his word /we’re all born sisters and brothers…”

It’s a surprise to say that this is a debut album considering how tightly woven and intricate it is between lyrics, melodies, song choice, and track order. Love And Theft has done what many artists struggle with in today’s era and they made a true album and my hats off to them for getting it down their first try. They are setting the tone for a revolution of sound and musical integrity that I can only hope will breed more genuine and pure content in any and all genres. The lyrics are so well crafted that they have the ability to make you feel as if, you’re not only lead on a journey through each song but there is an actual beginning middle and end from tracks 1-11. This sequence lends itself to inspiration, perspective and incite. However, it’s no wonder that this debut is so believable and authentic considering each member of the band had a hand in writing every song, in the production of each song and in actually instrumentalizing. Each one of these aspects is surprisingly rare amongst artists today; it’s nice to finally hear some music with roots.

You are sent into a whole new place when the chorus in, “Freedom, “picks up and you are engulfed in chill worthy silk like harmonies. These harmonies throughout are so tight between these each of these guys you would swear they are blood related. It’s something reminiscent of the Eagles a sound that we have been missing for sometime. These guys are the real deal, they deliver the way bands from generations ago used to and as their acclaim spreads like wild fire it appears as though there are grounds for epic status to be achieved and compared to some of the greats like The Stones, Floyd or even Zeppelin. I think Dylan himself would be proud they have penned his album title as their band name. From the instant you begin to listen to the sweet acoustically driven music that is Love And Theft you won’t be able to set the headphones down its like trying to quit reading your favorite book you just can’t tear yourself away. World Wide Open is an audible oasis that your ears want to drink in and when it’s over they are left begging for more.