“Gnashing teeth, white knuckles.“
We’re keenly following the modern screamo scenes for signs of a true renaissance. Perhaps this announcement is just that, as Knumears have revealed their album, Directions, will release through Run For Cover Records on the 3rd April this year. The LA based three-piece have waited four years to come out with their next full record, balancing time with their other projects like Vs Self and ensuring that Knumears could be all the member’s outlet for something truly intense. They’ve worked with producer and engineer Jack Shirley to bring their sound to life, who has worked with Deafheaven, Joyce Manor and Touché Amoré to great success in the past.
The second single “Fade Away” was rolled out with the album announcement and offers pitched feedback, terrifying riffwork, and nothing but catharsis. The band have opted for a stylish CRT-soaked lyric video showcasing their ballistic shows. The track is reminiscent of the gnarliest screamo acts around today, with the likes of Ostraca, Frail Body, Bloom Dream, Drive Your Plough Over the Bones of the Dead being some of our favourites. Indeed, for many bands the influence goes in the other direction, as Knumears‘ first full release A Shout to See has become one of the most significant in the genre this side of 2020.Jeromes Dream are well worth mentioning here too, and not just because “Fade Away” includes a feature from their frontman Jeff Smith.
At time of writing the band have two shows announced: New Harmony Festival in Philadelphia and Noise Pop Festival in San Francisco. Speculation can begin on whether they’ll back up the release of Directions with a full tour. The record can be pre-ordered here.
Directions track list:
1. Introduction
2. One Light, Sunshine
3. My Name
4. Breaking Ground
5. Directions
6. Untitled
7. Bridged
8. Fade Away
9. Friendly Face
10. The North