Spring is beginning to bloom, and so is a steadily rising upsurge of bold and original new artists. At the crest of this wave is a three-piece folk ensemble from Boston, Massachusetts called The Ballroom Thieves. Two inspired EP’s, three outstanding musicians, and five long years of hard work and dedication have led the band to this moment; the release of their full-length debut album, A Wolf in the Doorway.

Over these recent years, the Thieves have found themselves touring with bands such as Railroad Earth, Houndmouth, The Lone Bellow and other artists of a similar ilk. This month, they received rave reviews after performing at SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas and are currently on a US tour that will conclude at their home base, at Boston Calling Music Festival in late May.

Martin Earley (guitar, vocals), Calin Peters (cello, vocals) and Devin Mauch (percussion, vocals) have developed a distinguishing sound built on the roots of American Folk music with a contemporary singer/songwriter style that is abundantly accomplished. The trio never stifles themselves in their craft, which is always deeply inspired and constantly evolving.

The standout opening track “Archers,” enters with explosive chemistry and raw emotion. Immediately it is apparent that the Thieves’ approach is both seasoned and refined. A bright and sophisticated creation is taking shape, and right from the start it’s clear that the sky is the limit. “Wild Woman” is another highlight. The cello work from Peters is spectacular while the additional element of the organ compliments the song agreeably.

[via Audiotreetv]

Calin Peters takes the lead vocal on the tender “Bury Me Smiling,” which is another beautiful focal point of A Wolf in the Doorway. She also demonstrates her lead-vocal prowess on “Anchors,” featuring a rousing horn section that pleasantly spices up the record.

“She stood like a wolf in the doorway,” sings a heartfelt Martin Earley on the deeply personal fourth track, “Saint Monica.” The vocals gush with emotion and the harmonies resonate beautifully as we are taken on a brief yet soulful emotive excursion. Peters and Mauch’s brilliant accompaniment lends itself perfectly as we are left with yet another memorable track.

Earley’s powerful vocal performance shines brightest on songs such as “Bullet,” which opens as a slow acoustic track and rises increasingly with stunning three-part harmonies into a viscously upbeat Americana stomp. “Oak” is a song split down the middle. The soft-sung folk tune starts off intimately, breaks, and then cascades into an impressively gorgeous string instrumental to carry us off into the bluesy final track, “Wolf.”

At the end of the day, A Wolf in the Doorway shapes out thoroughly. From the catchy dynamics of “Lantern,” through the menacing cries of electric guitar in “Oars to the Sea,” to the refreshing folk/blues/rock fusion of the final track, the band’s debut effort offers everything you’d want from an album. The Ballroom Thieves are making all the right moves and playing all the right grooves. A Wolf in the Doorway is a most commanding first step into what we all hope is a long and plentiful musical journey.

– By Joseph Conlon

Tour Dates for Ballroom Thieves:

4/9 – Rochester, NY – Abilene
4/10 – Ithaca, NY – The Haunt
4/11 – Portsmouth, NH – The Press Room (w/ Portland Cello Project)
4/16 – Providence, RI – Fete Lounge
4/17 – Allston, MA – Great Scott
4/18 – Allston, MA – Great Scott
4/22 – New London, NH – Colby-Sawyer College (outside Quad)
4/23 – Norfolk, CT – Infinity Music Hall & Bistro
4/24 – Portland, ME – Empire
4/25 – So. Burlington, VT – Higher Ground/Showroom Lounge
4/30 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
5/1 – Philadelphia, PA – Boot & Saddle
5/2 – Washington DC – Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
5/3 – Freehold, NJ – Concerts In The Studio
5/7 – Decatur, IL – Millikin University Coffee House
5/8 – Chicago, IL – The Hideout
5/9 – Davenport, IA – The Redstone Room
5/10 – Minburn, IA – Gravel Road Concert Series
5/13 – Minneapolis, MN – Bryant Lake Bowl Theatre
5/14 – Marshfield, WI – Vox Concert Series
5/15 – Milwaukee, WI – The Miramar Theatre
5/16 – Madison, WI – The Frequency
5/17 – Spring Lake, MI – Seven Steps Up
5/21 – Northampton, MA – Iron Horse Music Hall
5/23 – Boston, MA – Boston Calling Festival
5/24 – Boston, MA – Boston Calling Festival
7/5 – Northford, CT –  Totoket Velley Park
7/30 – Victor, ID – Thursday Music on Main
8/2 – Huntsville, UT – Blues, Brews & BBQ’s at Snowbasin (w/ Darlingside)
9/18-20 – North Adams, MA – FreshGrass Festival