Following the disbanding of Baltimore post-hardcore group Tooth & Claw in 2012, members Sebastian Ramos and Greg Chipkin found themselves with an overwhelming desire create something new; to manifest the same passion for music that had initially brought them together in a musical project that would demonstrate how they had developed personally musically in the time since Tooth & Claw’s breakup.
Beginning with an initiative from each member to experiment with new sounds and push each of their individual musical abilities, Ramos and Chipkin recorded three instrumental demos under the name Body Thief, and by late 2013 had completed their lineup in with the addition of Walt Umana on Bass and Daniel Hawkins on vocals.
The band began to play shows rigorously around Maryland and D.C., and quickly branched into other Mid Atlantic states as well. By the winter of 2014, the band was scheduled to enter the studio with producer and engineer, Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, Circa Survive, Senses Fail, Have Mercy) to record their debut album, Speak in Hibernation.
Musically, Body Thief pairs the post-rock and post-hardcore tendencies of many of their greatest hometown influences with a well-developed musicianship and an ear for sprawling melodies and intense crescendos. On record, Hawkins’ vocals weave throughout the textured instrumentals of Chipkin, Umana and Ramos effortlessly; the highly complicated nature of the music itself doesn’t detract from its accessibility, and instead functions to bring the listener deeper into the captivating melodies and rhythms at play.
Their live set replicates this energy, and delivers a totally unique experience for first-time listeners and longtime fans alike. The audience regularly finds themselves on the precipice of a musical tipping point, at which they can just as easily be brought into a frenzied chorus as they can an unpredictable groove.
Since the release of their debut album, Speak In Hibernation, the band has added Andres Soto on guitar, as well as shared the stage alongside various national touring acts, such as Emarosa, Hail The Sun, Tilian Pearson, and more.
In late summer of 2018, the band went into the studio to record their follow-up record with Will Beasley (Toothgrinder, Asking Alexandria, Erra). The new album showcases another side of Body Thief, with new elements inspired and gained through some of their modern influences. The band’s intention was to expand their discography to demonstrate stylistic versatility. With plans to tour the US following its release, Body Thief just released their sophmore album, Travel Glow.
Check out Body Thief’s video for “Innerverse”:
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