Wolves and Thieves
Wolves and Thieves was born following the dissolution of Dispute (who enjoyed a great run from 2004-2007, sharing the stage with Good Riddance, Sick Of It All and a European tour with AFI). Vocalist Jeremy Lux and guitarist Ryan Blasquez view Wolves as an opportunity to explore their punk and rock n’ roll influences and the addition of Justin McAllister on guitar, Erik Block on bass and Paul Wiseman on drums enable them to realize this vision. Blasquez is vocal about his desire to push himself as a songwriter and refuses to be fettered by any particular genre or style.That defiance against circumscribed sounds was immediately felt on their split LP with Bastards of Young and continues to flourish on their first full length.

Despite a diverse range of influences, there is something distinctly East Bay about Wolves’ tone. All members grew up there and the East Bay’s rich musical history fundamentally shapes their songwriting, often on a subconscious level.  Their relationship with the East Bay is evident to anyone who has followed their recent live schedule: they’ve toured the Pacific Northwest with Ceremony, played The Force reunion at legendary 924 Gilman, and opened Tiger Army’s Bay Area dates. Wolves will continue to share the stage alongside great Bay Area bands throughout spring ’09 followed by an active touring schedule during the summer.

Wolves’ split LP saw Lux begin his exploration of adolescent conflicts that continue to resonate throughout adulthood. He manages to discuss struggles surrounding identity, growing up, and the pressures and frustrations encountered along the way in a manner that is neither preachy nor overly abstract. On their debut full length, Lux’s penchant for introspection continues to evolve. His words lean toward the existential on “The Tide,” the political on “1968,” and the cautionary on “Poisoned.” Lux’s lyrics ring especially poignant alongside Blasquez and McAllister’s increasingly intricate and engaging guitars, anchored by the deft rhythm section of Block and Wiseman.

-Swagger City Records