"The Hands That Thieve" is the fifth studio album by the American ska punk band Streetlight Manifesto. Here are some interesting facts about the album:
Release Date: "The Hands That Thieve" was released on April 30, 2013. It was highly anticipated by fans as the band had been working on it for several years.
Crowdfunding Controversy: The album's release was surrounded by controversy related to crowdfunding. Streetlight Manifesto had raised funds for the album through a Kickstarter campaign, promising certain rewards to backers. However, the band faced criticism for delays in delivering these rewards, leading to tensions with some fans.
Lyrically Complex: The album is known for its complex and thought-provoking lyrics. Lead singer and songwriter Tomas Kalnoky is renowned for his poetic and introspective writing style, and "The Hands That Thieve" is no exception.
Legal Issues with Victory Records: Streetlight Manifesto had a contentious relationship with their record label, Victory Records. The band accused the label of unfair business practices and withholding royalties. This legal battle influenced the release of "The Hands That Thieve" and led to delays in its availability.
Musical Style: The album showcases Streetlight Manifesto's signature ska punk sound, characterized by energetic horn sections, catchy melodies, and socially conscious lyrics. The band incorporates elements of various genres, including punk, ska, jazz, and even some Eastern European influences.
Title Track Controversy: The title track, "The Hands That Thieve," is an instrumental piece. However, due to legal issues with Victory Records, Streetlight Manifesto couldn't include the vocal version of the song on the album. Instead, a lyric book with the missing lyrics was provided to Kickstarter backers.
Instrumental Mastery: The band is known for its skilled musicianship, and this album is no exception. The horn arrangements and instrumentation throughout the album showcase the band members' technical prowess and their ability to blend different musical styles seamlessly.
Album Artwork: The album features distinctive artwork created by illustrator Dan McCarthy. The cover art depicts a bird with human hands, which ties into the thematic elements of the album.
Legacy: Despite the challenges surrounding its release, "The Hands That Thieve" has gained a positive reception from fans and critics alike. It is often regarded as one of Streetlight Manifesto's standout albums.
These facts provide a glimpse into the background and context of Streetlight Manifesto's "The Hands That Thieve," an album that holds significance in the ska punk genre.