Company of Thieves Adopt 'Confrontational' Sound on 'Death of Communication'

Jeff Foley

Company of Thieves have been hitting the road hard since the 2009 release of their debut album, 'Ordinary Riches.' Since then, the youthful group has gained a little bit of perspective and a whole lot of maturity. Gearing up to tour for their sophomore album, 'Running From a Gamble,' Company of Thieves' frontwoman Genevieve spoke with Spinner about adopting a more confrontational sound and the meaning of their latest single, 'Death of Communication.'

What is the concept behind 'Death of Communication'? Do you feel this digital world we live in is contributing to this?

'Death of Communication' is about breaking down the wall of someone's expectations to reveal your true self, only to be ostracized and told to feel or be different so that you fit in, make friends [and] become successful.

I feel that the digital world has both positives and negatives. On the downside, there seems to be less face to face interaction and more of an aloof connection between people. On the upside, the Internet has given everyone a voice, no matter what they look like or where they came from!

Your band's second album 'Running from a Gamble' has a much more rocking edge than your previous record 'Ordinary Riches.' You really go for it vocally on each song. What inspired that?

This new record is much more confrontational sounding because we have grown as a live band and set out to really capture that energy!

Do you like where you are as a band?

Of course! We are where we are no matter where that is and to not enjoy it would be a shame.

How do you see the future of Company of Thieves?

I hope to continue to travel around the world and make honest music that can be shared with anyone and everyone. Also, it would be incredible to experiment with the visual aspect of our show, and bring in magical elements (lights, projections, etc) to enhance the world we have created with our music!

Watch Company of Thieves' Video for 'Death of Communication'

Your concept of 'Karen' in 'Running From a Gamble' is a very small-town story of growing up and wanting to "be somebody." How did you come up with this concept?

Karen is the prototype of a sheltered girl from the suburban sprawl of America who is curious and enchanted but wildly driven to be independent. She is a mixture of myself and many people I have met throughout my travels.

What other female frontwomen do you admire? What male artists do you admire?

There are so many, so I will keep it modern! Females I am currently admiring are Bjork, Victoria [Legrand] from Beach House, Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Males I am diggin' on are Win [Butler] from Arcade Fire, Thom Yorke from Radiohead, Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters.

Do you feel that too much attention gets paid to the differences between men and women in rock?

Hmm. What do I feel? I feel that more often women are expected to prove themselves worthy of an audience -- and men are accepted easier and earlier on.

What's the craziest thing that's happened to you on the road or at a show?

Meeting a total stranger and feeling like I've known them forever.

Also, It is crazy to be so enveloped in the show that I often forget entire parts of the performance, as if they never happened. It's like I am possessed or something, allowing a huge release through song.

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