Thieves and Villains are an American indie rock band from the Hudson Valley region of New York, formed in 2007, and signed to Victory Records.
"[1] Having met via the local Hudson Valley, New York, music scene in 2005, Sergio Otaegui and Christopher Pennings decided to form the band in early 2007 following the breakups of their previous groups.
[2] The band claims to be influenced by "any artist that pushes themselves to exceed their own creative expectations" [3] and are known for their driving indie/alternative/rock sound.
[6] Movement was released on July 8, 2008, and received positive write-ups in music publications such as Alternative Press,[7] appearances on Fuse TV,[8] music features in popular television shows: Gossip Girl, The Real World, Making the Band, The Bad Girls Club,[9] etc., and the support of organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
[10] The band decided to regroup in mid-2009 with new members, bassist Chris Competiello and drummer Joseph Penna.