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Band of the Week: The Candle Thieves

"We try to do lighthearted stuff on the surface ... the darker things in life on the inside but looking at them in an optimistic way," says Scott McEwan, singer and one half of Peterborough duo the Candle Thieves. "There are enough bad things going on in the world without us adding to them. We're trying to do it with a bit of style."

The Candle Thieves are very much a band of two halves, a musical dichotomy that does well to tackle life's most downbeat topics while sugaring the pill with the confectionery of sweet, almost childlike indie-pop.

"It's all serious stuff but we're trying to do it with a smile on our face," adds McEwan and as he's co-author of upcoming single, 'We're All Gonna Die (Have Fun),' it's hard to disagree with him.

"People focus on the sadness of people dying instead of realizing that we only get one life. With our stuff, there's a real tendency that people just listen to it and go, 'Oh, that's just twee indie-pop' and sort of turn it off but there's a lot of darker stuff going on inside it. There's a whole lot of really horrible things happening in real life and we try to create a different world for people where they can all temporarily escape to."

Watch the Candle Thieves' 'We're All Gonna Die (Have Fun)' Video


Yet despite their serious lyrical concerns, the Candle Thieves are anything but morbid. Their pursuit of fun has lead them to book a tour a 13-date of fans' living rooms, kitchens and, in one instance, a boat.

"We got inspired by Willy Mason and we politely ripped the idea off him," laughs McEwan but the real motivation is the deep affection they hold for their fans

"Last year we played people's gardens and there are some fans of ours that have been into us since day one and we wanted to go and play their houses before we get really busy," explains Scott.

"It's so cool as well because you get treated really well and everybody wants to be there and you get fed and a place to sleep; it's great and such a nice atmosphere. I guess that the next step would be a 'Invade Your Personal Space' tour!"

But before any of that happens, the Candle Thieves will be sharing a bill with the Low Anthem at a church as part of this year's South by South West festival in Texas.

"That's going to be really, really special. We love America so much and can't wait to get out there," he says.

This year is set to be a busy year for the Candle Thieves. Alongside the relentless live schedule, their new single -- the aforementioned 'We're All Gonna Die (Have Fun)' -- is released at the end of March with an album set to follow. So what are the band's hopes and aspirations for this year?

"I hope that the record can mean something to people in the way that my favourite bands mean something to me," McEwan says.

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11 Comments

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Narki123

They reminded me of The Eels, especially their 'Beautiful Day ' single from a few years back.

March 03 2010 at 10:26 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
WILL

NOT MY TYPE OF MUSIC , BUT IT GOT MY FOOT TAPPING

March 02 2010 at 12:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Margie F.

WOW!! I thought they were great!!! I was singing along and clapping my hands- A "feel good" song!!- we need more of those in this world!!! Hope to see a lot more of them!

March 02 2010 at 8:57 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Leigh

i really liked that. it's a very fun song, even tho it is about death. i can't wait for more from them

March 02 2010 at 8:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
RKatzan

The Candle Thieves are a fresh, clean, light group that sends a clear message without violence or distress. This 2010 version of the original vision of the early 60's Beatles is exactly the pop concept that falls into our eyes and ears in a moment when we need "simple" music with a message. Love it!

March 02 2010 at 7:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Deborah Hudd

Cool stuff, I like this song, now let's see if they have others that can relate to! Most of the younger people watching won't know anything about Peter and Gordon; shoot, I almost forgot all about them myself, so no worries there

March 02 2010 at 7:55 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tom

THey look a bit like Peter & Gordon, but sound totally different. Both wear glasses, while P&G had one with, one without. I think this song is very catchy and the video, too. Clever lyrics. I like the monochromatic effect going on around them.

March 02 2010 at 7:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
T

I enjoyed that..looking forward to seeing more of them! thanks!

March 02 2010 at 6:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
KayzblueGenes@aol.com

GREAT SONG... LOVE IT!!!!

March 02 2010 at 5:46 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
noah f.

They're OK, but visually they're recreating the image of 60's icons Peter & Gordon. I'd much rather listen to a 1965 Peter & Gordon album if they're what I'm in the mood for, and would be more inclined to Candle Thieves' music if their image were more distinct.

March 02 2010 at 1:31 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to noah f.'s comment
josephine

Peter and Gordon didn't have myspace, or mtv, or youtube.. and thus their "image" was less important than a band's image today.. We have the leisure of judging the music they made on how good it is as ....music.. I suggest doing the same with a band that can actually produce another album

March 02 2010 at 4:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply