Last Sunday at the Roseland Theater, Nothing But Thieves delivered a performance that really underscored their place in the alternative rock scene. The ensemble—comprising lead vocalist Conor Mason, guitarist Joe Langridge-Brown, guitarist Dominic Craik, bassist Philip Blake, and drummer James Price—cemented their rapport with the Portland crowd, offering a masterclass in musical finesse and emotional depth.

The concert opened with “Oh No :: He Said What?” from their latest album, Dead Club City, providing a jolt of high-voltage energy that set the tone for the evening. This was swiftly followed by “Futureproof” and “Is Everybody Going Crazy?” from Moral Panic. The band’s setlist was a well-rounded tour through their discography. Songs like “Soda” and “Trip Switch” from their self-titled debut album resonated with long-time fans, while newer tracks like “If I Were You” and “City Haunts” showcased their evolving sound and lyrical maturity.

One of the evening’s highlights was “If I Get High,” a poignant ballad that allowed Mason’s vocal range to shine, creating a hauntingly beautiful moment, which  was complemented by the powerful “Sorry” from their second album, Broken Machine, which had the crowd fervently singing along to every word. The band’s ability to stir the crowd reached new heights with their rendition of “Impossible,” where the song’s lush arrangement and emotive lyrics captivated everyone, leaving a palpable sense of connection in the air.

Adding a unique touch to the night, Nothing But Thieves performed a cover of the Pixies’ classic “Where Is My Mind?” infusing it with their distinctive style that perfectly aligned with the band’s ethos. The regular set concluded with “Amsterdam,” the loud and energetic lead single from Broken Machine’s release back in 2017, that had the audience jumping and shouting in unison. The encore, featuring “I’m Not Made by Design” and concluding with “Overcome”, perfectly encapsulated the band’s layered richness and musical innovation. It may have been a cold and rainy night outside on Portland’s streets, but the Roseland Theater was warm and packed with a crowd ecstatic to be there for Nothing But Thieves’ first trip to Portland since 2018.