Rum Thief - Time to Make a Move

Rum Thief is Jot Green, a musician from Manchester, which means nothing to me since I don’t know who the fuck Jot Green is. What I do know is that there is a stationery company named Jot that sells things in the color green, and they’re at the top of the inquiry list on Google.

Rum Thief is releasing their second EP, this one a four song rocker that brings to mind straight-forward mid-70s rock groups (and the corresponding next generation disciples), similar in vein to their 2015 release, perfectly exemplified in their scorching opener “Spittin’ Daggers.” Dual guitars hammering out urgent power chord rhythms coupled with nasty, threatening lyrics create a dangerous bar band vibe that works like a charm.

Title track “Time to Make a Move” and “What Do You Know” have a Clash/Social Distortion vibe, with chunky ska-rhythms and the chugging backbeat of both. You could do a helluva lot worse than reminding one of either of those bands, lets alone both. The unfortunately titled closer “Toilet Door” is the weakest track, but overall these are four solid numbers that only beg for more. This is a night at the pub, drinking with friends, bar band soundtrack listen, so get some refreshments, ring up some friends and give this a spin.

Here’s hoping Rum Thief and the man behind the outfit start getting some deserved attention. Get your label’s marketing team on the Google case, Mr. Green and overtake your stationery competition, especially since you’ve got something good going on with your band.