Knots

Knots are a relatively new band, having only formed at the beginning of the year. Their upcoming album, Velvet Mindset, is a seamless follow up to their EP, Feel The Change, which was released during the summer.

The album will not doubt attract much more deserved attention towards this varied and impressive band. How could this not be the case with the likes of Smiley Face; an energetic number with vocals that could have come straight out of the ’90's post-britpop era. It is one of those tracks that instantly garners your attention in a powerful, rocking way. It kicks the album off to apoplectic start, leaving doubts that they can continue in such a full-on manner. Marie instantly puts these doubts at bay with a punky riff and an incredible, emotional verse which contrasts greatly with the heavier parts on the song. The ability this band has to switch from style to style is phenomenal; they maintain a punk undertone but they aren’t afraid to mix things up a bit; as in Shy, one of the strongest songs on the album. Not only does this song manages to infuse delicate piano with utter rock, climaxing with a kick-ass guitar solo. KNOTS aren’t afraid to take on the heavy side of things as we hear in the morbidly named How to Hijack a Hearse; it is a throttling, anguish filled songs with a thumping drum sequence and poignant, wailing vocals- although it is the least conventional song on the album it is arguably the best. It showcases the band’s musicianship perfectly, the lead vocals are truly astounding and the lyrical quality is certainly something to talk about. The lyrics absorb you further into the song as they are match idyllically with the murky tones of the music. And so we go from their least conventional sounding song, to their most radio-friendly track, Feel The Change. It is a delicious pop song made for the airwaves and will attract even those most adverted to rock music.

Overall this album is, with no word of a lie, one of the strongest Irish albums of the year. It is an emotional rollercoaster, combining so many varying genres and melodies in one set of songs. It is astounding how they can stretch their abilities and their sound, making them unlike any other band on the Irish music scene at the moment. - Claire S Kane

Every time i do a write up on a band i’d consider “radio orientated rock” i always seem to throw in the phrase “usually not my cup of tea”, and proceed to be pleasantly surprised by what i hear. Well shock and horror, KNOTS did in fact pleasantly surprise my cynical ass, but for different reasons.

First off, i do actually have a passing interest in post-hardcore bands like Motion City Soundtrack and The Movie Life, which is where i’d put KNOTS, after seeing them open the first CYOF a couple of days ago. It certainly has an accessible edge, but the band work better for me in its rawest form. Track “How to Hijack a Hearse” tore the roof off, and while the recording obviously showcases the bands abilities, this one made people prick up their ears and take note. Without sounding like a fucking chump, i reckon KNOTS have found themselves a rough diamond in singer/guitarist Botham. Kid can fucking sing. And he’s not afraid to engage crowds in the lost art of banter. It’s pretty clear that all this band want to do is rock out and get heads nodding.

“Smiley Face” slays, it follows the blueprint of hooky riffs, subdued verse and soaring chorus, and at the heart of this genre, if it ain’t broke, why take a spanner to it? It would be easy to be a genre snob, and at times i’m guilty of that, but KNOTS aren’t a guilty pleasure, they’re simply a band playing catchy tunes. OK, plenty of bands who try to pull this sort of music off are smug fuckers in top shop gear and moody promo shots, but again, KNOTS aren’t among them.

If it were up to me, i’d find these guys a sound engineer and a studio that have a background in angular post-hardcore, and get their recordings to match the raw intensity of their live show, because i reckon that’s key to seeing KNOTS break away from the pack. At the moment i think you’d be foolish to overlook or underestimate these dudes. Rough around the edges, maybe, but with more shows and the right nurturing, you could be reading about a serious contender right here. - Chew Your Own Fat

Velvet Mindest‘ is the debut LP by Knots. In the 12 months that they’ve been together they’ve played a handful of notable gigs, most recently in support of fellow up-and-comers The Radioactive Grandma. They’ve released their debut EP, and now their debut album. All-in-all, it’s been an ambitious year for Knots and their debut is equally ambitious.

For the most part, their sound is something wholly detached from the Irish mainstream; large rock tunes with huge drums and big choruses that echo the early 2000's hard rock of our American cousins. What is normally a close-minded genre has been expanded by Knots with their genuine lyrics and their soaring, operatic harmonies.

But what they gain from their ambition, they lack in the basics. At times, really well made stadium rock can be unbeatable and many artists strive to attain those lofty peaks. Bands like Linkin Park and their ilk create spaces between the sounds they create and drive points home to the listener when needed. In short, they’re dynamic. Knots lack that oomph that you need to make this genre really hit home. It’s a very good first offering, and they are some great tunes on ‘Velvet Mindset’, but even after a few listens you can feel it start grate on you; it doesn’t have that staying power.

That being said, we’ll have to wait and see how things will pan out for Knots. Most bands don’t fall in to their own flow until after a number of years together. Another 12 months may see the development of a band that are probably still growing together as musicians. And it’ll likely be a change for the better. - Golden Plec

Formed in January this year, KNOTS or Knights Now On The Stage to use their full title, have been incredibly busy in the past ten months. Almost constantly gigging since their inception ? including a slot at Cork’s Indiependence Festival ? they somehow have managed to find the time to get into the studio to write and record their debut EP, the self-titled ‘Kings Now On The Stage’.

Opener Feel The Change kicks off with singer Botham’s velvet voice captivating the listening. There is a feeling he could sing a phone book and somehow still enthral the listener. As a whole the song has an epic stadium feel to it, yet somehow the powering drums and bass manage to not overshadow the exquisite vocals; rather allowing them to blossom.

The intro to Falling would almost have you think you were about to listen to a disco track before heading back to a pop rock sound. This song is all about the guitar and effects: reminiscent of slightly less polished early Muse before they were tainted by dub-step. Piano-led Shy, for some reason, just screams film soundtrack to me. It is so easy to imagine the powerful vocals and pounding beat playing as the credits roll to an Armageddon or X-Men style film. Building up to an epic finish, KNOTS are clearly aiming for a far more ambitious sound than other current Irish bands.

Waiting Still again is clearly going after an ambitious stadium rock sound. With its’ insanely catchy chorus, it is the stand out track on the EP. After just one listen it just lingers in your head, and not an annoying way. Gentle acoustic guitar introduces the listener to final track, Home: a more laid back track than the rest of the EP, with an almost Americana feel to it. Lovely gentle backing harmonies suit the track perfectly adding an extra layer. Although incredibly stripped back in comparison to previous songs, vocals still give this track an epic sound.

With ‘Kings Now On The Stage’, KNOTS have produced an incredibly polished product, particularly for a first release. The best thing about listening to the EP was the realisation that there is not a single Irish band out there that they can be compared to, their sound is unique in the Irish music scene. Their freshness will be KNOTS greatest asset. A definite one to watch. - Golden Plec