NYC punk, ska and metal label knifetwister records are working hard at raising the voices of indie musicians and bands across the local scene. Their devotion to talent, originality, passion and focus is unwavering, and their commitment to elevating the small but substantial names of our time is second to none.
Punk
A fresh twist of performative flair, a slick riff, and a simple ode to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man is a catchy nod to the indie rock style of acts like The Hives, only with a twist of something all the more old-school in that rock and roll hook.
Superb guitar play adds a quick-fingered level of skill to an instantly distinct riff. Follow that with sharp, smart vocals, and a long-form melody that’s just as slick and satisfying as the riff, and UK rock outfit STRANGE WOMAN delivers a pretty faultless modern punk-rock anthem, with FAKE VALENTINE.
Polish duo BORDER impress intensely with their recent single Fading. Something of a nostalgic pop-punk effort with more punk-rock and grit than anything purely pop-inspired, the track features an immense rock set-up of distorted guitars and explosive drums, but counters and contrasts this brilliantly from one moment to the next.
American hard-rock band Line So Thin recapture the essence of the genre, whilst offering a song of purpose and finely crafted contrast along the way.
Vehement punk rock with an edge of metal and an unrelenting tempo – Kārtël raise the volume and the pulse, with the topical and stylistic grit of a Spanish-sung Punaladas.
LA alt-pop duo Royal She deliver an explosive alternative pop track for their latest offering. Employing contrast quite masterfully, Karma pours into the room by way of its quickly catchy, snappy and nineties-esque hook – this looping statement of ‘Bitch, you gon’ get what you deserve’, backed by an acoustic guitar sound and a clap rhythm.
UK punks Sir Sidney Squacko and Lord Jonny Macko compile the fast-paced indie sound of Radio Rubbish – a modern rock duo taking on the topical tribulations of our time.
The rest of the That’s life project follows suit in terms of the genre freedom, this Folk-meets-Ska approach to organic and colourful music. Think Sublime with a twist of The Pogues, only here we get stories and sentiments, structural songwriting and musical freshness, that all proves true to the disco partisan approach.
If you weren’t a fan of Anti-Hero before, I’d take bets that you will be after listening. And if you already were – here’s a whole new tempo and flavour to reignite your love for it.
Their clear unity as a band and the fearless tempo of the track speak volumes on behalf of a creative act with a boldly original thread of devotion and freedom to their sound, and there’s so much value in that approach right now.
Punk Rock and Pop creatively intertwined with a welcomed twist of Folk, an accessible story, and a set of visuals that quickly lift the mood – New York fourpiece heavy on the heart. bring the anthemic escapism back to modern rock, with the infectious and relatable Smokin’ All The Weed.