Rob Garza and Eric Hilton came together in 1996 to form the creative duo known as Thievery Corporation. The pair is from Washington D.C. and has been inspired by the music scene there while growing up. The release of their album “Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi” quickly launched them into the electronic music scene. If you’re looking for an album to satisfy your different tastes in music, this is it. Combining genres such as dub, hip hop, ambient, reggae, lounge, and even jazz beats, this album will take you on a journey full of variety.
“Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi” uses a mix of instruments ranging from drums, piano, bass and sporadic vocals. Sometimes instruments such as the trumpet are even used. Garza and Hilton use these instruments to create distinctive sounds in their studio and combine them to produce smooth electronic tones. Tracks like “Universal Highness” and “One” provide a natural feel that will leave you feeling calm and peaceful. Other tracks like “Transcendence” and “Sun, Moon and Stars” provide a harmonious rhythm and will shadow you into the midst of a spiritual encounter. “2001 Spliff Odyssey” and “Assault on Babylon” are tracks that rely on dub and hip hop beats. Each track on the album has its own sense to mesmerize the listener. No matter what kind of mood you are in, there is most likely one song you will want to hear over and over again.
One of their hit tracks, “Lebanese Blonde” was used in the movie Garden State in 2004 and is on the soundtrack. Originally released as a single, “Lebanese Blonde” was later added to their 2000 album “The Mirror Conspiracy”. Thievery Corporation’s other albums differ from this one yet in an intriguing way. “Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi” is more of an experimental album while others such as “The Mirror Conspiracy” and “Radio Retaliation” stick to one theme or genre.
Garza and Hilton came together to make music that transcends than that of artists who stay in their comfort zone. They change the sounds of different instruments in order to craft the styles of music that they desire. This duo is not afraid to test out new things which is what makes Thievery Corporation so unique.
"We were so inspired by Washington, DC's Dischord and the true do-it-yourself ethos of the DC punk scene that Rob and I both grew up on. A lot of great music reaches fans without the typical hype and fanfare enjoyed by bands on the majors. Music eventually finds its audience through a myriad of alternative routes. And when that connection is made, that bond is strong," says Hilton. The members of Thievery Corporation make sure that they connect with their audience through pleasurable resonance. Having been inspired by Washington DC’s music scene while growing up, the pair wanted to stay low key and obtain an audience through other ways than that of most bands. They wanted to stay true to themselves and true to their fans that they acquired over the years.
If there is one flaw about “Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi”, it is the constant drum beats in mostly all of the songs. Although the album is extremely soothing, there are times where you find yourself wondering if the drums are ever going to come to an ease. This could determine ones opinion about if they like the album or not because the drum beat could be found overwhelming. Even though this may be true, the album still provides a relaxing experience that one might not mind the sound of the mystical drums in the background.
Thievery Corporation could be compared to bands such as Tobacco and Four Tet. These are bands that also experiment with electronic sounds ranging from ambient to trip-hop. Either way, this amazing duo creates albums that have artistic beauty and “Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi” is just the beginning.
“As we are in the midst of recording our sixth studio album this year, it just seemed like the time was right to release this collection. It's been a great journey - musically and personally - and we just wanted to have that one definitive document. It Takes a Thief is it,” explains Garza. "We feel like it's a great look back for some; and, for others, an excellent introduction to our sound." Thievery Corporation will continue to create a mix of incredible sounds while sticking to what they know best. Your crave will be satisfied. Sit back, light an incense and be prepared to experience the amazing resonance of Thievery Corporation.
