The Young Knives - Superabundance

Artist: The Young Knives
Album: Superabundance
Genre: Post-Punk Revival
Rating: 3 of 5


There were two aspects that I have enjoyed about previous albums from this very British group. Perhaps it is the fact that they have put out three albums in three years, but they have lost some of their touch. The first album in this run was "Voices of Animals and Men" which set a benchmark. They haven't completely lost their image so don't be worried.

The first aspect that makes the Young Knives the Young Knives is quick, choppy post-punk songs. The song should sound like an archipelago of sound. The voices creating quick and distinct bleeps on the equalizer. You can hear this in the first verse of "Terra Firma". Unfortunately you can hear the new direction in "Turn Tail" where they've added some synthesizers to create a background hum like a bridge connecting the clustered islands. I much prefer the former style for this band.

The second aspect that makes the Young Knives the Young Knives is the stories they tell. I was not nearly as amused as I have been before. I mean "She's Attracted To" set a precedence. For those who haven't heard it before please look up the YouTube video. Of course "Turn Tail" does have an amusing image of fleeing but I'll leave that final decision to you. The witty charm hasn't left completely; it's just been dulled.