Nothing But Thieves- Stray Dogs (review)

Published by Mason Oldridge, 25 September 2026

Nothing But Thieves leave behind their dance and electronic experimentation of the Dead Club City as they enter a new chapter with their fifth LP.

Sonically, Nothing But Thieves always deliver a mix of rock songs varying in heaviness, with the heavier options usually the strongest as they demonstrate the heights of their talent in this vein. And this record is no different… for the most part.

The album opens with the title track, which is the heaviest on the tracklist. Featuring sinister sounds and distorted vocals, it goes hard with an aggressive riff reminiscent of Muse’s Stockholm Syndrome and is the standout. Lead single Evolution is a victim of its own softness, leaving other single Baby Kool (Evelyn) to be a much more enjoyable and commercially-friendly release. However, closing track A Different Kind of Happiness breaks the mould as they produce a ballad that showcases their gentler potential. The band themselves describe it as “one of the best songs we've ever written”, which is understandable, given its vulnerability and how emotionally charged it is. Elsewhere, the album has a couple of slower offerings with the acoustic If You Don't Have Someone to Love and the eerie I Needed You Then, I Need You Now.

Overall, the band continue to prove that they are at their best when at their heaviest, though show their capabilities at the opposite end of the scale too.

7/10