The Flowerthief is a rock quintet from San Diego, CA. They are known for delivering songs that span genres from classic rock, to indie blues all the way to campfire sing along, folk rock, and as the new record suggests, psychedelia. After the release of 'Natural Selection' in 2013, the band underwent another line-up change. With a powerhouse cast of musicians, singer-songwriter Christian Motos' songs have taken a"sleight detour" (pun intended) into new yet somewhat familiar territory. The new EP 'Sleight Detour' opens with the"Beatlesque" 'Five Easy Pieces', a power pop song filled with infectious harmonies and strident vigorous guitars. This track will surely satiate their long time fans and win new ones. 'Rendition' is another hook filled gem with a painful lyrical narrative complexity and a rousing finale ala 'Hey Jude'. Whiskey & Gin, a tried and tested crowd favorite gets a new 'spirited' treatment, this time with a kick that cannot be replicated even if one consumes one or the other. 'One Hand Waving Free' is the groups first attempt into"Stadium Rock" territory with big choruses and heavy riffs. 'The Great Escape' starts of with an ethereal stride then comes back right at you with a wall of sound that could've fit nicely with the Beatles 'Abbey Road' medley, which brings us to the final track. 'Last Drop' is probably their most psychedelic song without being tedious and self referential. It sums up the whole EP with even more harmonies and heavy riffing. This is a record certainly worthy of a place in your collection and rock history.