The Joker & The Thief, a band from London, formed with Dan Grabiner on vocals and percussion, Josh Elliott on saxophone, accordion, saw, and ukulele, and Justin Gartry on guitar and kick-drum. Their debut release was the EP Secret Ballroom in 2011. The trio gained significant attention for their diverse sound, which blended genres such as soul, blues, psychedelia, rock 'n' roll, folk, and rhythm & blues. They were signed to Mess Around Productions and became strongly associated with Strummerville, The Joe Strummer Foundation for New Music. The band also featured on Island/Communion's Flowerpot Collaborations album. Their unique style earned them critical acclaim, with The Evening Standard naming them "the real stars of 2011" and Clash Magazine describing them as a "rip-roaring trio."
