Single Review: Nothing But Thieves - Real Love Song

Nothing But Thieves are back with their new song ‘Real Love Song’ and it is the song nobody knew they needed until its release. The Essex-based band released their new track alongside ‘Is Everybody Going Crazy’ late last month with both making their top three most popular songs on Spotify, with over a million listens on each. ‘Real Love Song’ offers the listener a not-so-common version of your typical love song from the perspective of a folk/indie rock band.

As soon as the song starts, the melody is not what you would expect from a song entitled ‘Real Love Song’, it is not romanticised, but slow at first, gradually becoming fast-paced and exciting, just how you feel when you first start falling in love. The most enticing element regarding this song is the fact that the lead singer, Conor Mason, does not sugar-coat love; he explains all the negatives that everybody feels when they are falling in love. He does all of this without sounding bitter about any of these emotions, as it is just a part of the experience. The lyrics follow the pattern of lines such as ‘I cried so hard I died sad’ and ‘losing all that’s making me human inside.’ However, what is interesting is that the singer keeps returning with the lines ‘got a thing about you and it won’t go away’ which is often how people respond to love. Although it comes with all these negatives, there is always the urge to pursue.

The sheer genius of such an unexpected song with a great sound makes it impossible for you to sit still whilst listening

‘Real Love Song’ has a very unique, older sound to it, which reminds you of popular 2013- 2016 indie music. However, they have taken this sound and made it fresh and almost comforting to hear. The use of guitar right after the chorus is something to be noted, as without this, the song would not be as intriguing as it is. James Price also adds a touch of eeriness to the song with his incredible drumming. This song deserves full marks, purely because of the sheer genius of making such an unexpected song with a great sound that makes it impossible for you to sit still whilst listening. One thing is for sure, Nothing But Thieves continues its streak of not disappointing their fans.