Glitter Guts
Four musicians, a rehearsal room and a considerable knowledge of self recording has been the modus operandi to which Knives At Noon have produced their label debut EP Glitter Guts, an outstanding studio recording that reverberates as loudly as their sonic live performances.
Tracklisting:
01 Violins And Violence
02 Human Heart From Modern Art
03 Licking Plastic
04 ThunderVeins
100% New Zealand Music
Knives at Noon have released their second EP...so I reviewed it...for you...
It's hard to believe that Dunedin's electro-indie kids, Knives at Noon have only been around since August 07 when you hear the charming foot-tapping tracks gracing their latest EP. It's fair to say these guys have put in the hard yards to get where they are today, but it's clearly been well worth the effort, and I reckon 2009 will be 'their year'.
After touring the main centres in the land of the long white cloud in May 08, the lads came together to record their second EP which is ready to be released this month meaning more live shows for us...yay!
Now, if you're not familiar with the sound of Knives at Noon, I think it's safe to say they're a synthesized dance version of popular act, The Killers. They've kept the NZ accent - thank goodness, but they've got the kind of style going on that I reckon would appeal to the overseas market effortlessly. They're definitely one band that us kiwis can be proud to call our own.
Push play on this EP and you'll be greeted with front-man Tim McCartney's strong vocals in Heat Up, which are carried throughout the whole track. It's simple, sharp, and is the perfect introduction for what's to come.
Purple Star boasts some dreamy drum beats created by Tim Couch while McCarney hit's some slightly higher notes - a welcome surprise that compliments the sounds of the synth perfectly. Not as danceable as the first song, but a delicious treat for the ears and feet all the same and one that I'm really looking forward to see the lads perform live.
The third track is lively, upbeat and one to put your polished dancing shoes on for. Mix in a delightful opening riff, a few more of those higher vocals, a wicked drum solo with a dash of synth magic and you've got Daisy Chain.
This Scene is the final song to grace the lovingly put together EP. It's a blend of the first three tunes and has a real homely feel about it that leaves you begging for more. The only thing I would have liked to have seen on this disc is the remix version of Heat Up, but I can understand why the lads left it out being that it is quite different. I'm just being greedy, really.
If it's captivating electro-pop you're after then I recommend giving the Knives at Noon lads a whack.
Trust me; you'll be pleased you did.
Amanda Ratcliffe
Posted by Miss NZ 9.42PM, 11 Jan 2009