Love and Theft

Love and Theft may be celebrating the release of their second studio album, but to the ACM-nominated country duo, the self-titled release might as well be their first.

And in a way, it is. Love and Theft is Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson's first album since joining RCA Nashville, the home to many of their musical inspirations. "We feel like people will be hearing us for the first time," says Eric. Stephen agrees and credits the label's storied history with helping to reenergize the band. "The history of RCA Records is incredible. Just knowing that we are on the same label as some of our biggest influences, like Elvis Presley, is an awesome feeling."

That excitement is palpable throughout the 11 songs that comprise the album, a fluid mix of country melodies and sing-along choruses, all driven by Eric's earthy voice and Stephen's high-altitude tenor. The guys share lead vocals, harmonize like a church choir, and bolster their songs with their own guitar playing. "We sound like brothers when we sing," says Eric. "Stephen and I have always been on the same page as far as the vision for the band, and we feel like we have made the record we've always wanted to make."

With a renewed emphasis on organic sounds, the album has brought Love and Theft closer to what it set out to be: a band that writes, records and performs honest, soulful country music.

"This record represents the way we sound live," says Stephen, before—like the musical brothers they are—Eric completes the thought. "It shows a more mature, evolved Love and Theft but the core is still the same," he says. "Our sound will always be driven by harmonies."