A 3-Piece hailing from Liverpool, Stealing Sheep (Becky, Emily & Lucy) have been creating 'psychedelic folktronica' since their formation in 2010. Lo-Fi, DIY pop in the shape of harmony drenched old time vocals, hypnotic beats and sixties style drone synths.
With a number of tunes penned, Stealing Sheep set out touring around the UK, also taking time out to record some tracks in an abandoned school in Liverpool with first time producer Joe Wills, who inspired in them experimental recording techniques in unusual locations. Most of these now appear on Bandcamp. Feburary 2011 saw the release of the band's debut single/EP The Mountain Dogs on the Red Deer Club label, a short, quirky and catchy song that also saw a limited vinyl edition for Valentine's Day.
With the first single drawing in a good deal of attention for the band (coverage from BBC Radio 6, numerous sessions and a thumbs up from a certain Mr. Paul McCartney), Stealing Sheep made a 'midnight pit stop' at Abbey Road Studios to record second single, I Am The Rain, which has been recently accompanied by a really rather fantastic video directed by Jack Whiteley. Additionally, a number of songs have seen some inspired remix treatments, which feature on the band's website, Bandcamp and SoundCloud pages.
A slew of support slots (Emmy The Great, Summer Camp, Slow Club, tUnE-yArDs) and festival appearances have since opened up the band to a wide audience latterly, whilst over the winter Stealing Sheep have been recording their debut album, due for release in Spring 2012. Happily for the impatient, this has been preceded by the taster EP Noah & The Paper Moon on Heavenly Recordings which brings together six select tracks in one handy package, including both singles.
In terms of sound Stealing Sheep absolutely have their own idiosyncratic style, decidedly leftfield with a unique flair that really does make them something special. When today there is just so much new music to listen to (not a complaint by the way), it's a treat to hear something that is so much just 'itself' rather than fading into a background of a well-covered genre. If comparisons have to be made, then let the band's placings as support slots to the above-mentioned groups be a very general guide. Parallels also to Warpaint have been suggested, but beyond a very cursory listen, don't really stand up. Stealing Sheep have by far a more endearingly off-the-wall feel.
To really appreciate the band's material, it's certainly worthwhile to have a browse around their YouTube channel for some great live performances, including a capella versions and some short sessions.
Currently, Stealing Sheep are booked in to play alongside Field Music for the remainder of February (for south-easterners like myself, be warned though, the King's College SU London gig is now sold out as I discovered *grumble*), followed by more dates in April with See of Bees (including London and Brighton *un-grumbles*). When they come with in a 50-mile radius of yours truly - expect a live review up here too ... But I must learn to be patient. I'm told it's character-building ... Allegedly.
Live Dates:
- FEB 18: GLASGOW @ STEREO
- FEB 19: MANCHESTER @ DEAF INSTITUTE
- FEB 20: LEEDS @ BRUDENELL
- FEB 22: NOTTINGHAM @ BODEGA
- FEB 23: BRISTOL @ THE FLEECE
- FEB 24: LONDON @ KINGS COLLEGE
- APRIL 10: OXFORD @ THE OLD BOOT FACTORY
- APRIL 11: LEEDS @ COCKPIT
- APRIL 12: GLASGOW @ KING TUTS
- APRIL 13: BELFAST @ AUNTIE ANNIES
- APRIL 14: DUBLIN @ ACADEMY 2
- APRIL 16: MANCHESTER @ DEAF INSTITUTE
- APRIL 17: BIRMINGHAM @ HARE & HOUND
- APRIL 18: BRIGHTON @ THE HAUNT
- APRIL 19: LONDON @ HOXTON BAR & GRILL
stealing sheep links
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