With a delightfully bratty edge on this, their debut, Cologne’s CITY LIGHT THIEF create playful hardcore referencing the likes of Thursday, Dananananaykroyd and Tubelord. The German quintet are both fun and compelling in equal measure, with rollicking, soaring choruses and tight, jabby rhythms that are sure to make them a hit when they take to the stage with the likes of Piebald and Thursday later this year.
It all makes for a refined and progressive take on a genre in which it’s all too easy to tread a formulaic path. ‘Laviin’ sees a band eager to showcase an array of ideas but restrained and mature enough to hone them into a cohesive yet diverse work. Case in point is the climactic closer ‘Punk Aus Ende!’, a four minute masterpiece of European punk rock that is pulled off with infuriating ease.
A great record from a fantastic young band.
CHRIS SHIPMAN