Ez Luscombe
KNIVES may have only existed since 2021, but they have since transformed into a welcome and exciting addition to the UK’s varied alternative and rock scene by celebrating their musical diversity and bringing a sound that’s uncompromisingly heavy, but still widely accessible. Taking inspiration from an array of different alternative scenes from yesteryear whilst also staying fully true to themselves, KNIVES are shaping up to be a breath of fresh air.
Having torn up stages at 2000 Trees and Burn It Down festival and snagging prestigious support slots with Soul Glo and DZ Deathrays as well up upcoming slots with fellow collaborators The Callous Daoboys in February and Noizzefest in April, it’s safe to say that Knives aren’t going anywhere-and REGLITTER I is a further celebration of all the things that make Knives standout as homegrown UK talent. Heavily influenced by the concept of Paramore’s more post-punk influenced latest effort This Is Why, their latest EP is chock full of reworked tracks and collaborations with some of the scene’s most exciting and musically enthralling artists to come out of these past few years; including C.A Francis of DITZ, Death Goals, chest, and Carson Pace of The Callous Daoboys.
The Bristol sextet combine the influential post-punk fury of yesteryear with stadium-ready choruses that are designed to shout along to on their latest EP and first track on REGLITTER I, ‘CORAZÓN’ (intended for their debut album) is laden with fuzzy guitars and is almost reminiscent of the 2000’s metalcore boom, but sped up by 100%, turned up to eleven with a vocal delivery that’s both energetic and furious in equal parts, and the highly compelling feature from DITZ’s C.A Francis; a striking introduction of things to come.
The melting pot of musical ideas that are crammed into just under ten minutes, sheer dedication to pure and unbridled musicianship and the blend of different genres without compromising originality and individuality is extremely admirable, especially for a band who are still somewhat niche within the scene. From the industrial and minimal hip-hop inspiration of ‘THE DAGGER’ akin to artists such as clipping., to the aggressive Idles-influenced post punk and dissonant art rock of ‘PHD’ which has a clanging rhythmic section to boot and a determined and unique bassline that could move mountains with its turbulent fury, Knives are a multifaceted force to be reckoned with.
REGLITTER I does exactly what it says on the tin and packs four chaotic, yet musically complex tracks into just over ten minutes and with their high-energy yet rightfully politically-charged performances, their dedicative activism, and their determination to make alternative spaces more diverse whilst also promoting DIY ethos; Knives might just be your new favourite band.