I recently read a sign that said, “Happiness is the (whis)key,” and it got me thinking: man, I could really use some whiskey. Luckily for me, Colorado Springs’ drowners of sorrows, the Tejon Street Corner Thieves, took care of that craving with their latest full-length album, Thick As Thieves, available now via Liars Club Records.
The moonshine ministers known for delivering their unique blend of trashgrass n’ blues, return on Thick As Thieves with 12 intoxicating tracks made to stir up a cocktail of emotion within all who listen.
Transmitting equal parts cheer and sorrow through their music, the Tejon Street Corner Thieves inject a great deal of personal pain and honesty into the usual upbeat tendencies heard in traditional bluegrass. Over the course of their discography, they’ve combined their instrumental talents to create soul-stirring originals (Goers, 2017), as well as preserving traditional classics passed down for generations throughout American history (Stolen Goods, 2021).
Now that the group took their opportunity to pay homage to the songs that helped build the foundation they operate on, it feels really good to hear them jump back to writing their fun, catchy originals. Thick As Thieves’ opening number, “Long Gone,” kicks things off with a mid-pace and somber mood that works well in building up the snappy single, “Whiskey.” Resounding gang vocals strengthen an unforgettable chorus, while riveting fiddle runs weave together a beautiful melody to tie this track together nicely.
Steady boosting your blood alcohol content comes the cheerful sing-along “Moonshine Blind,” which takes the band’s alcoholism to a new level. Thankfully, “Be There” acts as a proper chaser to mellow you out, simultaneously tugging on the ol’ heartstrings. The TSCT’s musical layers flourish tremendously throughout this track, with the fiddle once again creating a wave of melody that keeps your ears glued to the speakers.
As the emotional intensity of the music builds, lead vocalists Connor O’Neal and Shawn D’Amario, lyrically, dig deeper. With voices that range from raspy and soulful to clean and pain-stricken, those emotions further unfold in the heartbreaking number, “Never Meant To Be.”
The instrumental harmony of the washboard, acoustic guitar, banjo, fiddle, and bass, continues to bolster the myriad moods that come to life throughout the latter half of Thick As Thieves. Old timey sing-alongs like “.44” and “Lay Low” offer contrast to the more sobering qualities of “The Road” and “Demons.” Yeah, I said it—sobering. It’s clearly not in the band’s nature to take everything too seriously, but I find that when the band becomes more vulnerable and serious, that’s when their songwriting shines the most.
Ending on a high note with the extremely charismatic, truck-stop inspired, “Love’s Pilot,” the Tejon Street Corner Thieves bring Thick As Thieves to a close. Once again, the bar-stool preachers went on another bender and somehow managed to put together 12 tightly-knit tracks that radiate with as much joy as they do heartache. As the Tejon Street Corner Thieves continue to speak their truths and sing their sorrows, I can’t help but smile every time I listen. Some say that alcohol won’t solve your problems, and to them I say, have you ever even been drunk? Go listen to the Tejon Street Corner Thieves; they’ll confirm.
Stream Thick As Thieves here.
Purchase physical copies and other merch here.