What makes Thieves by British India notable?

The album debuted at number 15 on the ARIA Albums Chart, marking a significant commercial achievement for the band. Its reception by critics was generally positive, helping to cement British India's reputation as a key player in the Australian indie rock landscape during the late 2000s. In 2008, British India released 'Thieves' as their third studio album, following the success of their sophomore effort 'Avalanche'. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their place in the Australian music scene, having already gained notable recognition and a growing fanbase.

Thieves works well if you're into introspective lyrics with energy, for a casual hangout and engaging riffs for background listening.

How many songs are on Thieves?

Thieves has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Thieves

British India · 2008

37 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant blend of indie rock energy and introspective lyrics, capturing youthful disillusionment with punchy melodies and driving rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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God Is Dead (Meet the Kids) — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy hooks and satirical lyrics addressing generational angst and disillusionment.
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Funeral for a Trend — The song cleverly critiques fleeting cultural trends while blending infectious melodies with sharp lyrical commentary, reflecting the band's witty style.
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You Will Die and I Will Take Over — This track stands out for its anthemic chorus and darker thematic elements, showcasing the band's ability to combine upbeat sound with heavier subject matter.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

49 /100

Foothills

Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic indie rock with introspective lyrics, creating a solid but not work.

What we noticed

The first five tracks maintain a high energy level with driving rhythms and punchy melodies, while the last five tracks introduce more introspective themes and varied tempos.
Several songs feature layered guitar riffs that create a rich texture, particularly in 'This Dance Is Loaded' and 'Put It Right Down'.
The lyrics often reflect themes of youthful disillusionment, with a conversational style that invites listener engagement.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

introspective lyrics with energy
for a casual hangout
engaging riffs for background listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, soundscapes
seek immediate emotional payoff

Where this album fits

Career context: In 2008, British India released 'Thieves' as their third studio album, following the success of their sophomore effort 'Avalanche'. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their place in the Australian music scene, having already gained notable recognition and a growing fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors: Dune Rats· Ball Park Music· Tired Lion

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 God Is Dead (Meet the Kids) 3:29
2 This Dance Is Loaded 3:10
3 I Said I'm Sorry 3:36
4 Put It Right Down 3:03
5 Funeral for a Trend 4:00
6 Airport Tags 4:04
7 You Will Die and I Will Take Over 3:40
8 Mona Lisa Overdrive 3:54
9 Nic the Poet 3:02
10 The Golden Years 4:59

What to play next

Listen next

Avalanche

2010

Go back to

Guillotine

2007

Full British India discography Artists like British India

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata