|
Review Navigator   FeaturesContestsReviews
| KnapsackThis Conversation Is Ending Starting Right Now1998 Alias 
  Review by: Anchors See others by this writer ![[staff]](/images/icons/staffsticker.gif){kind=icon}
Alias Records (link) Only registered users can post comments 
 Published on November 19th 2004
I'm sure a fair amount of you enjoy, or at least are familiar with the band The Jealous Sound. You may or may not know that lead singer Blair Shehan had a band prior to The Jealous Sound, that band was Knapsack, and this is their finest work. Their career as a band spanned only a meagre three albums, but the talent and cohesiveness of this band can't be measured in the number of albums in their catalog. Because of the success of the Jealous Sound, Knapsack are often overlooked, but this album will let you know exactly why they're not a band to be cast over. The place that Knapsack really draws you in is with Shehan's voice. It's a talented voice, but at the same time something you feel like you can sing every word along with. It's honest, and it's strong, and unique in a way you don't find with many indie rock bands on the scene today. The voice is something you can find yourself identifying too, and that's how the lyrics are tied in as well. It grabs you as soon as you hear it, and takes you on a ride throughout the albums duration. The sincerity of Shehans voice puts every listener in a place where they understand what this music is about. The lyrics are intelligent, without ever being pretentious or cliché. "The shake of the shame, But it hangs around your name, for the first time you're afraid, And you take what they left, choke on their success, but you're nothing anyway." The musicianship is tight, and cohesive. The guitar isn't too complex, the drumming isn't exceptional, and the bass isn't overpowering, but it all just fits. Knapsack have even incorporated some quite uncommon instruments into this record, including sleigh bells and an organ. These instruments fell right at home in the music, they don't feel forced as some bands do. The main problem with bands like this is usual feeling of "haven't I heard this song before?" "No," is the answer here. With the added incorporation of a cello, and a violin, there's enough distinction between each song to keep things interesting. Clocking in at around 30 minutes, you won't find yourself having to skip anything here. This is solid, straightforward indie rock at it's very finest. Music you'll be humming and singing along to as long as your CD will last you. Standout songs are "Katherine The Grateful," "Cinema Stare," and "Change Is All The Rage." If you enjoy bands such as the Jealous Sound, Rival Schools, Far, and Benton Falls, this is something you'll be doing yourself a favor to purchase. People who liked this also liked:           Please login or register to post comments. What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?
Jerking off to history is just that. Clarity is still one of the best albums of all time. Yeah. JEW's Clarity. Get a clue kids: http://www.fourfa.com/topten/index.html honey- for interpunk you can send in money/money order/check. no need for credit sweet band. sweet album. Anyone know where i can buy a t-shirt? best emo ever? JAWBOX and im sure people will dissagree but Jimmy Eat World's Clarity is right fucking up there I've unfortunately never been able to locate an actual copy of this. No record stores around here carry it, and I can't find any distro's that have it. anchors- i'm not gonna say anything bad about the record cos it does in fact rule... picked up a used copy of this a few years ago... extremely good (especially for 6 bucks). i want solea but have failed to ever find myself any of their material. this really is a amazing album. it blow me the fuck away the first time i heard it afew year ago and still does. the jealous sound is pretty much perfect in every way. This is honestly the first record I've ever seen nobody bitch about, or say sucks. someone has to say it: better than every other emo record EVER how is the solea album in comparison to the EP? this album is amazing. and yes sergie from samiam played on this record. everyone try to get your hands on the solea album too, it's way too good. Kathrine the Grateful=one of the best songs EVER. Day Three of My New Life has better songs, but the production is pretty much shit compared to this CD. You'd do yourself well to locate a copy of this one, Scott. The Jealous Sound rules. "the guitarist of samiam was in this band too, though i'm not sure if he's on this record" bout time something great got reviewed kick ass call on reviewing this album. its sweeter than you. knapsack is a great band. i love this album, not even into the jealous sound I submitted this so long ago I don't even recall writing it. And I must have rattled that off in about 15 minutes, because I don't even like how it's written. she liiiiiikes to drink with broken meeeeeeeen knapsack is definitely better than the jealous sound, this album is amazing, and the jealous sound's last effort was sub par in my opinion I love Knapsack. I also love The Jealous Sound, but their live show lacks a bit... |
