Thievery Corporation Will Steal the Stage at Greek Theatre

Alexander Volz

Thievery Corporation, a DJ collective originally from Washington D.C., will be playing the Greek Theatre on the Sept. 27. The band blends several musical genres into its performance, including Brazilian, Middle Eastern, and reggae. Their sound has been described as being elevator music with a punch. Since their formation in 1995 by the group’s founders Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, Thievery Corporation has released six studio albums and has been nominated for a Grammy. They are advocates for human rights, ending world hunger and the political causes of the “common man,” as they have called out the International Monetary Fund during a previous concert.

Thievery Corporation experimented with a more psychedelic sound in 2005 on the album  “The Cosmic Game,” which featured guest appearances by Wayne Coyne (Flaming Lips,) Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction,) and David Byrne (Talking Heads.) Thievery Corporation’s latest release, “Saudade,” sees the band return to a ’60s bossa nova sound—which is one of the musical styles that Garza and Hilton originally bonded over—as well as dub and jazz. The album is also less politically-charged than the band’s previous two albums. Garza explained that while they still remain socially conscious, the group decided to switch gears and create something pretty and harmonious, with a vintage vibe that reflects all of the old recordings they love.

“Radio Retaliation” is one of those politically-charged albums. Sonically, it is not at the band’s usual depth, but Thievery Corporation does seem re-energized as the album features lyrics about genocide in Africa and attacks on American politicians. The band’s sound can mostly be described as down tempo, though it is never dull or static. Instead, the songs are sensually rich and provide listeners with a rewarding experience that’s not too overwhelming.

The currently 15-member Thievery Corporation tries to feature each member at some point throughout the live shows in order to equally highlight everyone’s talents. And, despite the band’s mostly mellow sound, a Thievery Corporation live show is always high energy.

Thievery Corporation will steal your mind and ears at the Greek Theatre September 27.