Endless From The Start
Three Hands, 2021
8/10
Listen to Endless From The Start
The Scottish trio Union Of Knives aren’t exactly easy to categorize, but their distinct brand of rock certainly touches on post-punk, goth, electro-pop and even trip-hop, and these 11 tracks offer dark textures as well as universally palatable rhythm that you can’t help but admire.
“There’s A River” starts the listen with plenty of atmosphere as a slight buzzing and a firm beat meet a post-punk haze that enters the electronic climate, and “High On Account Of O” follows with a soulful quality entering the playful layers that are certainly danceable.
Approaching the middle, “An Animal” moves with an industrial feel as repetition is used strategically amid the ominous energy, while “Like Butterflies” recruits a charming pop quality alongside the rhythmic delivery. “Whispering On The Curves”, one of the album’s best, then brings alt-rock and dream-pop ideas into the absorbing landscape that even touches on orchestral ideas.
Further down the line, “Minneapolis” benefits from Anthony Thomaz’s smooth vocals, ambient synth and agile drumming from Peter Kelly, and “Close” exits the listen with a busy electronic-rock foundation that balances a pulsating beat, spacey sounds and swirling melodies thanks to Chris Gordon’s guitar.
If you’re like me, you’ll wonder why you had never heard of Union Of Knives after spending time with Endless From The Start. Turns out, they’ve been on a 14 year hiatus following their 2006 debut, but let’s hope they’re willing to stick around this time, cause their inimitable formula deserves to be spread out over many more releases.
Travels well with: Slow Down Molasses- Minor Deaths; The Holy- Mono Freedom