Music
Press
The deal of the week probably goes to the four-band showcase at 3 Below (GT's cozy basement of rock), marked by a set from local boys The Knaves.
The four-piece band -- vocalist/ guitarists Kevin Jackson and Jesse Sherritt, bassist Sean Farwell and drummer Thom Drew -- has recorded an insanely catchy eight-song demo that the band encourages fans to download. It's available at www.bandofknaves.com.
Recorded and mixed by David Ball, the album's stellar set of songs are reminiscent of melodic, punk-influenced New York circa 1977; they'll easily win you over if you already love Television, the VU or modern-day torchbearers The Strokes.
- Lori Mastronardi, Anna Coutts, Brian Wong - London Free Press
They take their name from a poem by John Wilmot titled "A Satyr Against Mankind", by definition the word can also mean a deliberate scoundrel or be a synonym for a the Jack; the one face card in the deck that always keeps you on your toes. My best bet after checking out the 8 tracks that make up their debut, they're easily described as all of the above.
Their sound has a CBGBs heyday era quality, it's simple, with succinct & to the point guitars. Their songs are thus ridiculously catchy, and where some would draw comparisons to The Strokes, and while I do hear it, I'm hesitant to make the comparison myself. When I think The Strokes I think overproduced hits, whereas The Knaves tracks have a raw, off the studio floor quality which I love.
- Cristin Anelysse
http://www.whoneedsradio.com/2007/04/my-gift-to-your-summertime-playlists.html - whoneedsradio.com
With a name derived from John Wilmot's poem "A Satyr Against Mankind", the Knaves are here to infuse a potent dose of Brit influenced rock 'n roll into the local London music scene. If your tastes edge on the discerning, and you desire a trip to good old Albion, you'll surely tingle with pleasure when you hear the foursome's musical offerings. The guitar melodies echo Dirty Pretty Things - passionate and rollicking, while frontman Kevin Jackson's vocals are a blissful, nonchalant mix of Lou Reed and Julian Casablancas, without sounding the least bit intentional. Not to sound over triumphant, but seroiusly, The Knaves have got to be the most exciting new band in London-town, and if you're not getting goose bumps from them, I can't help but to feel sorry for you.
--Emily Ames, Feb. 2007 - Huron University College Grapevine
This 4-piece is new to us and most likely new to you, too. So, take some time to get down with their addictive rock’n’roll savoir-faire. If you dig the Strokes or Television, this is the band for you.
- http://radio3.cbc.ca. The Knaves were a featured artist in Sept. 2007 - CBC Radio 3 website
http://www.geocities.jp/t_erarin/stylebandaid_band.html
**This one is in Japanese, and aside from the headline and 'CBGB', we don't understand any of it. Online translations are enough help to let us know that it's positive though.
Click the link to see the original article. - Style Band Aid
Discography
AS 'THE PRIMARIES':
> Broken Heart Love (studio demo) - 2008
> The Primaries (forthcoming album) - 2008
AS 'THE KNAVES':
> The Knaves [8 songs] - 2007
> White Cars [single] (original version plus 2 remixes) - 2007
Photos
Bio
The Primaries are three former members of The Knaves that wanted to take their songwriting in a different direction - so they've done just that.
The band has shared the stage with such acts as Tokyo Police Club, Crystal Castles, Attack In Black, Immaculate Machine, and the Golden Dogs, and also played the 2007 LOLA Festival in London.
Following a succesful showcase at this year's NXNE festival in Toronto, they're playing a series of shows around Ontario in late June.
Following that, The Primaries will head into the studio to record their debut LP. In September they're planning tours of Eastern Canada and the Northeastern US.
Links
