Thievery Corporation have long considered to be pioneers of the electronic fusion genre, and the band’s music can be described as an eclectic mix of rock and EDM. While many groups are considered electronic fusion, not all have full bands accompanying a DJ. Some acts, such as Griz or Big Gigantic, incorporate a horn player into the electronic beats–in the case of Big Gigantic, a drummer. But Thievery Corporation’s live show features two drummers, two DJs, several singers, a guitarist and a bassist, making the live show an epic experience that is far from the typical DJ sets many electronic groups display on tour.
The Roseland Theater was packed and you could feel the buzzing of the crowd, both in the venue and clustered out in the smoking section. The audience was responsive to the high energy displayed on stage, which carried over to every corner of the venue. The venue itself presented an unusually intimate setting for Thievery Corporation, a band of such grandiosity and caliber.
The group played many fan favorites, with “Sweet Tides” being a highlight. The down-tempo song features strong female vocals and simple beats with psychedelic overtones. Moving into faster and louder material, the band played other hits like “Lebanese Blonde, “The Richest Man in Babylon,” and “Amerimacka.” The entire set saw such a cavalcade of guest musicians it became hard to remember what was happening. Although guests certainly carried their weight, the hard-working band members were busy switching from guitar to sitar, bass to guitar and drums to more drums. DJ Rob Garza even stepped down from his platform to play several songs on guitar.
Portland managed to sell out and pack the house – remarkable for a Monday night. The location on Burnside was alive with scalpers and fans, while the bars and restaurants were filled with those waiting to flock to the theater for the show.
From beginning to end the band did not disappoint and treated the crowd to a show that was both intimate and intense but not overbearing. The sound was not too loud but clear and well-mixed. Thievery Corporation played several encores, leaving the stage more than once and coming back to the cheers of the house. Though the show ended by eleven, an understandable end time for a Monday night concert, the crowd left with smiles and shouts of elation.