KNOWER FOREVER

Orpheus Listening Challenge 2023: #2 An album from 2023 (18th album)

Let's make some progress on this list as well. Knower is a band I heard about when Bandcamp dropped this album on me as one to watch out for when it comes out. Of course, in the meantime, I forgot about it, and I only remembered when I saw them on the RYM charts a few weeks ago.

The album itself is a mixture of funk and progressive pop with the addition of nu-jazz on the side. The group, although being on the scene for more than a decade, still has the ability to keep up with the musical landscape, and not be stuck in the mud of the 10s. I like their sense of creating infectious songs, which is present in almost every track, and the ambition present in every moment. Louis Cole has a knack for crafting atmosphere, and Genevieve has a beautiful voice that she uses well to shift and accompany any mood that Louis decides is fitting for the album.

Unfortunately, the album suffers from a serious disease called ADHD-itis, i.e. the need for everything to be in a fast, breakbeat style with hyper pop influences, which, in my opinion, greatly reduces my enjoyment of the album. It also doesn't help to notice the recycling of ideas from one song to another, especially in the instrumental parts, but it still has enough moments to be a decent listen.

Overall, even with the bad, there is a lot to be admired here, especially if you're looking for that modern synth funk/disco sound.