Following the success from their highly anticipated cover of Kate Bush’s Babooshka, Bristolian Post-Punk band Knives are back with their latest offering ‘Doppelganger’ on 16th February 2024. With a pop-infused flair that puts a refreshing twist on punk, Knives have boldly plunged into the UK alternative circuit.
Fueled by a robust bassline, crunchy riff work and vocalist Jay Schottlander’s distinctive vitriolic shouting like that of a punk town crier, ‘Doppelganger’ boldly takes a stab at the persistent issue of homophobia within the music industry. Knives don’t shy away from confronting the disingenuous nature of music labels, exposing their queerbaiting tactics driven solely by financial gain. In a valiant move, they challenge the industry’s professed inclusivity, peeling back the layers to reveal the underlying issues and complexities within the music business.
Of the single, drummer Erin Cook said “There are multiple instances of artists capitalising off of the queer community, while simultaneously fans only accepting queer icons if they’re deemed as ‘good enough’. In addition, on a more personal level, we’ve had experiences with people that preach about LGBTQ+ rights, yet also spout casual homophobia. We’ve seen so many instances of people not showing their true colours, which inspired the lyric “who is the man behind the mask?”.
‘Doppelganger’ serves as the appetiser, offering a tantalising glimpse into what Knives has in store with their upcoming EP, ‘What We See In Their Eyes’. Inspired by their frustration with individuals in Bristol who challenge the city’s friendly reputation, the EP serves as a musical mirror, inviting listeners into the shoes of the frustrated. The lyrics aim to immerse the audience in this perspective, urging them to confront someone they disdain and contemplate the unspoken words they wish they could express.
Made up of the collaborative efforts from Maddy Hill, Dan Farren and Josh Cook (guitar), Ben Marshall (bass) Erin Cook (drums) and Jay Schottlander (vocals and on-stage nonsensical chatter), Knives have revelled in an impressive response since the release of their debut EP Newshounds. From selling out Rough Trade Bristol to playing shows alongside flagship punk bands; Mclusky, CLT DRP, Tokky Horror, LIFE, and Enola Gay, their chaotic live set captures attention from anyone in the audience. 2024 is set out to be an exhilarating year for Knives as they promise more shouting anthems critiquing our societal challenges as well as many more shows across the UK and EU.
‘Doppelganger’ and the accompanying music video will be available from February 16th. To commemorate the release, Knives are set to perform a single release show at The Hope and Ruin in Brighton on February 22nd. (For tickets and additional live dates, refer below).
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