Nothing But Thieves - What Did You Think When You Made Me This Way? (EP Review)

Just over a year since their absolutely amazing sophomore album "Broken Machine" Nothing But Thieves have done it again with their absolutely amazing new EP "What Did You Think When You Made Me This Way?".

We begin with the fantastic, vampire-themed single "Forever & Ever More", a dark and twisted love song with driving guitar riffs and excellent drums and distinguished bass. Conor's vocals are powerful as always with a harsh edge in the chorus and smoother, higher tones in the verses. It's become one of my absolute favourite songs of the year after just a month and a half since it's unexpected release. 9.5/10, Check out my full song review of it here: http://withmusicinmindellipsis.blogspot.com/2018/08/nothing-but-thieves-forever-ever-more.html?m=1

Following on from this is "Gods", the most lyrically interesting and thought provoking song on the EP with some of the biggest guitars too. Don't be fooled by the acoustic beginnings as this isn't something you want to skip. What do they mean when they say gods are everywhere? Is it that politicians and celebrities are painting themselves as something more than they really are? Perhaps it's commenting on how we hold ourselves in higher regard than others? Maybe it's about the rise of technology and false idols we worship? Whatever Conor and the band are going for it makes a great song and is backed by some humongous, massive, searing guitars and bass. 9/10

"You Know Me Too Well" is a really really great song with really really great instrumentation, vocals and lyrics... It just isn't as interesting as the other three songs. Its groove is perhaps the most attractive thing about it and indeed it is the most different song for the band but it still works in its slightly subdued state of musical excellence. The guitar solo just gets better ever time you hear it and it isn't far behind the other, especially with its flare sustained throughout, not ending till the excellent outro fades to a single strand of white noise. 8/10

Finally, "Take This Lonely Heart" closes the EP with an intense and introspective jam. It sounds a bit like a part two to "Particles" or "Soda" but transcends both of them. It starts with a quiet verse where Conor consider the place he's at mentally and in terms of success. This leads onto the long but fantastic pre-chorus. The detail on this pre-chorus is insane, lyrically topping anything the band have done with a winding and complex set of realisations and statements. The chorus is built up for so long, especially the second time and when it hits it delivers. The final moments of the song extend it to a place of completion. 'In the end' this is the best song on the EP. 9.5/10.

Overall this EP is getting a very strong 9 out of 10. This may be Nothing But Thieves' best work yet, following on from two amazing albums and hopefully leading on to an even more amazing third.

Best Songs:
Forever & Ever More, Gods, Take This Lonely Heart

Worst Song:
You Know Me Too Well