The Hands That Thieve
by Streetlight Manifesto
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
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  1. Sputnikmusic
    May 9, 2013
    84
    It’s so perfectly and lovingly written and produced, recalling everything that made you fall in love with the band and their life affirming sound to begin with.
  2. Alternative Press
    May 9, 2013
    80
    On the whole, these are fast paced, highly-charged ska-punk songs, but they’re riddled with musical flourishes and nuances–not to mention impossibly catchy hooks.
  3. PopMatters
    May 9, 2013
    70
    The Hands That Thieve may not quite live up to Streetlight’s last album, 2007’s magnificent Somewhere in the Between, but it is another strong addition to their catalog.
  5. AllMusic
    May 9, 2013
    70
    Streetlight Manifesto delivering an album of bittersweet ska-punk that feels more grown-up than anyone could have expected the genre to be.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. TheHonestCynic
    Jan 2, 2014
    9
    I've waited too long to hear the original works of Tomas Kalnoky and the boys Streetlight Manifesto once again. Ever since the vague,I've waited too long to hear the original works of Tomas Kalnoky and the boys Streetlight Manifesto once again. Ever since the vague, unfinished version The Three of Us at 2012 warped tour, each and every member of the band has shown how much they have evolved and improved as musicians. The album was delayed and fine-tuned for what seemed like years, but it's finally here, and all that time and perfection finally shows. Some songs seem like a callback to older albums and some feel like something totally new.

    Lyrically, some songs on THTT don't quite hit the high bar that Streetlight have set for themselves. More often then not they do, and how. Songs like "Toe to Toe", "Ungrateful", and "The Littlest Things" offer something different from the usual commentary on religion and politics. Whereas songs like "With Any Sort of Certainty", "Your Day Will Come" and "The Three of Us" continue the theme that Streetlight Manifesto has maintained through most of their albums, and does a terrific job while doing so.

    The Hands That Thieve is always a pleasure to listen to. This is mostly because of the incredibly advanced and varied instrumental section that Streetlight Manifesto keeps improving with every album. Tomas demonstrates his vast self-taught knowledge on guitar and Jim, Mike, Nadav, and Matt create incredible riffs on the horns. Pete maintains his title as the most underrated bass player ever, and Chris continues to create varied and extremely precise drum beats and rolls.

    Overall, The Hands That Thieve holds it's own as one of Streetlight Manifesto's best albums and quite possibly the best recent Punk-Ska album release. Keep up the incredible work. I give this album a 9.3/10.    … Full Review »
  2. sadpanda
    May 10, 2013
    9
    While still not on the level of their transcendent debut, Everything Goes Numb, The Hands That Thieve is another excellent addition to theirWhile still not on the level of their transcendent debut, Everything Goes Numb, The Hands That Thieve is another excellent addition to their repertoire; fantastic horn arrangements, inspirational lyrics, lots of whoa-oh's and everything you've come to love from Streetlight is here. The only problem I have is that the production is not as clear as SITB or EGN, and the songs here have less thematic diversity than their previous albums, but nonetheless, there isn't a single weak song here.… Full Review »
  3. dontrapemybrain
    Oct 19, 2013
    10
    An album about the human experience. In a beautiful culmination of both sound and lyrics Streetlight Manifesto has painted an image that canAn album about the human experience. In a beautiful culmination of both sound and lyrics Streetlight Manifesto has painted an image that can only be described as human. Songs charged with the struggles and emotions of most of our lives. Rather than singing of shallow fantasies and ill fitted relationships Toh Kay sings about what most of us can relate to; like the struggle of deciding to leave the nest and make a break for all your hopes and dreams or to stay with what is safe and secure with a life of simple pleasures such as family. Truly beautiful. It is a shame music like this isn't more popular.… Full Review »
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