3 Reasons You Should See Young Thieves Live

Last week I saw Young Thieves as part of a four act bill at Arlene’s Grocery in the LES, and I have to admit that going in I knew, essentially, nothing about the band.

Young Thieves are a new act. The NYC-based band is just starting to build their social media presence, and they don’t have anything in the way of music online as of yet (at least nothing that I could find on YouTube, Soundcloud, or Bandcamp).

What did I learn about Young Thieves by the time their set was over? I learned I’m looking forward to seeing them again soon. Here’s why …

1. They’re led by Alexandra Amor

If the name Alexandra Amor sounds familiar it’s because she was a bit of a YouTube sensation at the start of the decade. Her covers of pop favorites – including songs by Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, and Kesha – racked up millions of views.

Now Amor is 100% original, and while she’s moved past the YouTube covers portion of her life – as evidenced by those videos no longer existing – it was likely her time spent doing those covers that led to her having the pop sensibilities of an established veteran, and a chameleon-like voice. That chameleon-like voice makes her a unique frontwoman, as she has vocal abilities that separate her from her peers.

2. Their music is straight up high quality pop rock

Sometimes pop-rock bands try to say they’re something other than what they really are. I don’t know why this is. Maybe they think there’s something uncool about being pop rock, and they want to be known simply as rockers, or in some cases, singer-songwriters.

Young Thieves aren’t interested a musical identity crisis, as they are unabashedly pop rock, and proud of it. Amor even stated before their set, which immediately followed a hard rock band, that she hoped the crowd would be into some pop rock. My only question is, when it’s good, as is the case with Young Thieves, who wouldn’t be?

3. They have a song about skinny dipping

When Amor asked the crowd, “Who’s been skinny dipping,” I wholeheartedly expected everyone to cheer and/or have their hands go up. I know, I know, it’s 2017, and the concept of skinny dipping seems downright innocent. Maybe that’s what makes the notion of having a song about it so great. Skinny dipping is simultaneously innocent, and mischievous, making it a perfect metaphor for great pop rock music.

Below is a quick taste of Alexandra Amor's vocals.


To find out when, and where, Young Thieves will be performing next, check out their Facebook page for show dates.