Massachusetts six-piece, Bent Knee, are the type of bananas
band that likes to dabble in every genre going. These type of bands don’t come
along very often, and for a weirdness-worshipper like myself who adores the
Frank Zappas and Mr. Bungles of the world its always exciting when they do.
Bent Knee’s speciality as showcased on this album is an
ability to yo-yo magnificently between ying and yang. In the space of one song
they can shift from harsh prog metal riffage to placid ambience (‘Being Human’,the track featured below, being a prime example). The group’s ability to contrast is further demonstrated by lead singer Courtney Swain, who matches dainty
indie-folk singing with manic warbling.
Usually a band this absurd would have a bit humour to them,
which is my one real gripe with Bent Knee – they sometimes come across as a bit
melodramatic. Saying that, they aren’t entirely stoic. There’s a theatrical,
campy horror vibe to some of these tracks, especially present in the dark rendition of ‘You
are my Sunshine’. In fact, Bent Knee seem to revel in putting an evil twist on
happiness. Several tracks feel bright and triumphant in mood but are lyrically
morbid. Others shift melodically such as the closer ‘Toothsmile’, which starts
softly and sweetly before descending into a long and torturously
sinister detune.
Knowing that any song could break into dissonance or suddenly
get evil definitely adds a suspense to this album. Generally, these mood shifts
aren’t abrupt and the band take the time build up from quiet to loud. This
makes the record deeply atmospheric as supposed to being a schizophrenic
stop/start job like the aforementioned Mr. Bungle (not that either is bad). Saying that, although atmopsheric, Shiny Eyed Babies isn’t the type of jam you put on in the background whilst trying to work. It demands attention like a
monkey juggling knives, and you’d have to be brain-dead to ignore it.
★★★★☆
TRACK TASTER: