COVER - KNIVES: "Moments like that are a big reminder that there are so many people who want change, and we’re all in this together."

Deep in the depths of Underworld in Camden, there's a small band causing earthquakes with the intense bursts of energy from themselves and their fans as they bounce up and down. Only a few can pull off this level of raucous chaos, and by no means are they stopping any time soon. 

The energy that Bristol punk collective KNIVES hasn’t gone unseen. A recent tour with THE CALLOUS DAOBOYS has put them on the map, and a supporting slot with WITCH FEVER has taken them even further. Amongst upcoming festival slots at 2000Trees, Outbreak and Noizzefest - and the time between shows in the recording studio - we got talking to bassist Ben Marshall about the chaos that is intrinsic to the DNA of the band. 

When Callous Daoboys vocalist Carson Pace found Jay Schottlander’s PUSHA T references in their lyrics, coupled with KNIVES’ aggressive and unrelenting sound, they were the first ask to join the Atlanta chaosmakers on their European romp. Alongside LOVE RARELY's mathcore-infused melodies in the UK to complete the lineup, this raucous collective proceeded to tear up every venue they could. 

The chemistry on and off stage made the tour really special. In downtime, the close-knit connection became some of the tour’s most memorable moments. Ben recalls watching the Super Bowl in a Hungarian bar and playing Magic: The Gathering between sets. In return, this would result in plenty of stage invasions from all the bands and a real shared love of music. Eventually, this would lead to Carson featuring on the track Sugar from their newly-released EP Reglitter I.

It's hard to really put into words how perfect this tour suited KNIVES. “A lot of the UK shows on the Daoboys tour stood out as well. We pretty much had one of our family members at every show.” Their reputation as one of the UK’s most ferocious rock bands made every show turn into a rage room (OOR pun intended!). 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KubYglIZhA

The six band members bring together the avengers of the underground experimental music scene. Comprised of one of the most aggressive drummers in the scene, two guitarists who bounce off each other like magnets, Ben, who has the most off-the-wall energy in the best way possible, and a singer who has a voice so demanding that you can’t help but rally to it like a war cry. With the unlikely addition of a saxophonist, their sound becomes both abrasive and ridiculously cool. 

And doesn’t the rest of the scene know it! From talking with Ben, the recently released Reglitter I came from KNIVES’ great relationships with other bands, always connecting over shared love of music. Here, collaborations with DITZ’s C A Francis, OOR darlings DEATH GOALS and CHEST, take centre stage. However, Ben says his favourite collaboration is yet to be released, with Brighton-based math-hardcore band HOW LONG YOU BEEN DRIVING set to release a revamped cover of Rhinestone Cowboy. “It’s stupid in the best way possible.”

So much of this band's core sentiments and values are based on community, creating a safe space for anyone, standing up for what’s right. As they’ve described themselves, they are a movement, not a band, and it is very apparent through their politically charged lyrics and infectious energy. You can very much see this on their most recent studio album, Glitter, as so many lyrics reflect a feeling of constant frustration, rebellion and rage. The album is an absolute war cry, demanding movement and energy. KNIVES are an inclusive band. As Ben put it, “We’re normal people, we are doing the bare minimum, and it should be a standard expectation for everyone.” This is chaos being heard.

“Sharing a room with a collective of people who all share the same morals and having a crowd shout back lyrics about homophobia and xenophobia is really special. A lot of the time, it can feel disheartening seeing all the awful stuff that’s happening in the world. Moments like that are a big reminder that there are so many people who want change, and we’re all in this together.”

As KNIVES have just finished up a tour with WITCH FEVER,  they’re now in the studio right working on new material and, in Ben’s words, “bringing back the dab”. After some much-needed time off in May, they are doing a crazy festival circuit, starting with Noizzefest in Cardiff, 2000Trees, and the band’s most anticipated show of the year at Outbreak. “I’m excited to see END IT, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and TRUCK VIOLENCE. CONVERGE’s new album is so good! Also, we were lucky enough to play with THE ARMED in France a couple of years ago as well, so it will be nice to see them again!” 

Words: Ben Blissett

Live Photos: Ben Blissett

Cover Photo: Titouan Massé

Cover Design: Robert Halls

With Thanks To: Demi Wu and Marshall Records