Previous reviews for Matt Sage (solo):

"A great artist" - Gilles Peterson, Radio 1
"Simply gorgeous sounds" - Mike Scott, Waterboys
"Lush and always inventive" - Oxford Times
​

Nightshift Magazine, February 2018

"ART THEEFE
I Trained a Spy’
(Self released)
Art Theefe singer Matt Sage posted on Facebook
a few months ago that he’d discovered and fallen
in love with Mark Lanegan – something any
sane human being should do. Good news then
and it shows with this latest single in the lead up
to the band’s full debut album in the summer.
Matt’s voice has developed a smoky layer of dirt
to it that makes him sound like a once-smooth
lounge singer who’s had too many nights on the
complimentary wine, with a real growl about
it at times, while behind him the guitars have
taken on a darker, more doleful vibe, a bit of late
night surf shimmer and gothic country rock. It
suits the grainy video set in what looks like the
final last chance all-night bar in town. It’s quite
a departure from what we’ve heard of the band
so far and it’s something we could get rather
comfortable with as we sit here on this bar stool
at 4 in the morning savouring the dregs of that
third bottle of Rioja."

AnR Music Review, Nov 17
Anyone described as “seriously gorgeous sounds” by such as a songwriter as The Waterboys head honcho Mike Scott has to be someone you need to check out. When you do you will see that he has a valid point. Art Theefe blends so many classic sounds but does so deftly and delicately that gorgeous is certainly the word for it. As the band themselves have always pointed out good artists copy, great artists steal, I guess the clue is in the name! But even though you can see what is under the musical hood, they still fashion a musical vehicle that is unique and a brilliant sonic ride.
A dash of Kink’s kitchen sink drama and wry, quintessentially English humour, a touch of classic singer songwriter such as Dylan and the aforementioned Mr Scott, a smooth Steely Dan vibe and even some Van Morrison Celtic rock mystique and you have a fantastic slice of power-pop, slightly Paisley psych and bluesy-rock all rolled into one. And as much as you can detect these hints of the past it feels nothing less than the way forward.

Good evening, we are Saccharine Anthem - Nightshift, May 2017...