Banter Thiefs

‘Life is local’ is a maxim that has always been embraced by Motherwell indie-punk outfit the Banter Thiefs. Enforcing the ethos that one should effectively write about what they know can often be viewed as an archaic and somewhat lazy ceremony of ritual. However, this is a principle that seemingly defines the disaffected youth of today, allowing them to come to terms with their role in the current zeitgeist by merely documenting their own lifestyle and surroundings.

The deliberate graffiti-like misspelling of the Banter Thiefs’ name is perhaps a reflection of their disdain for establishment and authority figures, yet only presented here as a subtle gesture without the obligatory baggage of an often contrived mock rock anti-social agenda. References to provincial landmarks and anecdotal statements are littered throughout the band’s tunes, yet with a sardonic sneer that brings warm satire and a refreshing introduction to their local parlance.

Tonight’s sold-out headline gig at ABC2 is the culmination of what has been a relentless ascent for the lads with their efforts now showing signs of fruition. The past year has seen them on tour with The View and while both bands share an affinity for the familiar chops of melodic indie, it is the tribal instinct of the collective cult following on display tonight which has allowed the Banter Thiefs to flourish. ‘All Your Life’ has an anthemic quality that whips the crowd into a lager-soaked frenzy, instilling a sense of blue collar nobility with its football terraces bravado and swagger. The band’s high octane performance is somewhat polarised by the hushed sincerity of frontman Dave Clark’s voice which is a welcome relief from the nasal tinged bed wetter indie of recent years. While ‘Swings and Roundabouts’ is a breezy stomp through bleak suburbia,  new single ‘Rockstars’ captivates with a jaunty nonchalance that further augments the boisterous vibe among the faithful.

With a certain degree of nihilism at its core it would be easier to dismiss some of the sentiments conveyed here as being a bit second hand; instead the Banter Thiefs present a somewhat skewed perspective on the perils of excess while reminding us that creating a sense of community spirit is a very noble pursuit indeed.