Album Review: Yr Knives - "Begin Yr Singing"
Begin Yr Singing, the debut album from the new supergroup, is sprawling with ideas. The group of expert musicians don't quit or have any means of slowing down at all.
Yr Knives, a new supergroup formed by musicians sprawling from various underground rock scenes, including the Chicago rock scene, came about organically without any awkward pull or force. Coming out of the pandemic, the group decided to take their time getting back into performing and recording, rather than the jumping in headfirst, which would've felt too forced. Consisting of Andrew Trim (Hanami, Retroreflector) and Brian J Sulpizio (Health&Beauty) on dueling guitars, Douglas McCombs (Tortoise, Black Duck, Eleventh Dream Day) on bass, and Quin Kirchner on drums, Yr Knives make layered instrumental rock music that's sprawling with ideas. Taking elements of post rock, jazz, blues, and ambient music, Yr Knives have a punchy, noisy approach that sounds both urgent and patient.
Throughout Begin Yr Singing, the band's debut album out now on Western Vinyl, there's plenty of detail within the band's performances that demands your attention. "Trimnopedie" has some delightful jazzy, airy presentation within the bass playing and the intertwining guitar playing. "Stretch Bath" is sporadic in its drumming and wild in its noisy guitar playing, making an enthralling listen. I was first confused by the more traditional blues approach but have warmed to it with repeated listens. "Fear&Trimbling" has a fun, vibrant and hypnotic approach to its abrasive guitars, reminiscent of bands like Don Caballero. "Double A" has an improvisational aspect to it, where the band sound loose and playful, especially the crazier percussive moments. "These Chords" has a great progression in its slow burn attitude, where the guitar playing truly shines. "White Gladys," the thirteen-minute long closer, is the album's best highlight. There's not a dull moment within the entire thirteen minute runtime, where the band plays a truly remarkable hypnotic groove that just doesn't give in at all. The colorful, psychedelic presentation reminds me of bands like Pullman, who McCombs is also apart of.
The group sounds like a cohesive unit throughout not only this song, but the entire album. Begin Yr Singing is full of ideas and is asking for repeated listens. There's plenty to sift through and enjoy, whether its the duel guitars, the impressive percussion, the sharp bass, or the arrangements overall. It's a remarkable debut that doesn't quit or have any means of slowing down. Hopefully we can get more music from Yr Knives in the future and see where the band picks up where Begin Yr Singing puts down.
My Rating: 7 / 10
Favorite Songs: "White Gladys," "Fear&Trimbling," "These Chords," "Trimnopedie"
Comments