Well, this album was a challenging listen – in a good way. This California duo are new to me but what incredible musicianship! I would not describe myself as someone who is a fan of electronica or dance music, which is how Knower seem to be billed. But this record drew me in with its complex layers of incredible playing, jazzy offbeat rhythms and head-nodding beats.
First, the drumming is awesome throughout: the shredding, the chops, syncopated rhythms, tight snare and musical high hat, incredible stuff. So many amazing beats but possibly the standout drumming moment is the solo in the track ‘Abyss’ (as a drum student I am in awe!).
I adore ‘It’s All Nothing Until it’s Everything’, it’s almost an orchestral piece, a syncopated cacophony of sound which just builds and builds with the most gorgeous piano solo 3 mins in, beautiful.
‘Nightmare’ is a poppy dance track, and is so catchy, love it.. again it has incredible drumming and pop punk vocals, then it just blends into a wonderful jazz-funk instrumental reprieve from 3 mins on. Fab.
For fans of bass guitar and keyboards there’s some incredible playing throughout the record. ‘It Will Get Real’ flows along with an almost effortless bass line but just listen to it, it’s smooth, funky and gorgeous and then those keyboards on top. Just beautiful.
‘Do Hot Girls Like Chords’, the opening discordant guitar riff is reminiscent of Cold Fish by Queenadreena, and the track cleverly combines pop-punk with jazz-funk again. Very cool.
The more I listened the more I loved it. 10/10.
