REVIEW: Knumears - Directions

Directions is the debut album from KNUMEARS, a rising screamo trio from LA. It blends bone-crushing drums, gritted-teeth guitar solos, and harrowing screams that throw listeners into a mental mosh pit or push them to scream out their own emotions. Since forming in 2021, the band have grafted their way through the music scene, progressing from local shows to touring the US. They have carved their own path, ignoring any how-to formula, instead turning the amp up to eleven and unleashing raw, unfiltered emotion.

The opening track Introduction lives up to its name. It builds slowly around a repeating scale, layering guitars and intensifying drums while shifting tempos to create tension and anticipation. One Light, Sunshine begins with the ticking of a clock, as if warning that something is about to erupt. It quickly explodes into a barrage of screams, guitars, and drums that hit like a stampede. A mid-track drum break offers a brief moment to breathe without losing momentum, before the crashing guitars drive the song to a head-banging finish. My Name opens with a bass-led build before bursting into distortion and overdrive. Like earlier tracks, it balances chaos with a brief melodic pause, giving just enough space before plunging back into intensity.

Sharp, abrasive amp noise becomes a recurring theme, echoing the sound of a sudden high-speed turn. Breaking Ground highlights this best, drawing clear influence from earlier screamo acts, reminiscent of Sorry You’re Not A Winner by ENTER SHIKARI. The unified screams carry a strong sense of anger and release. The title track Directions slows everything down. Its distant drums and blurred guitars create an almost secretive, atmospheric feel. It acts as a reset point, building anticipation for what follows, though it risks stalling the album’s momentum. Untitled abruptly pulls the listener back in with crushing force. Deafening screams and rapid guitar work dominate, flowing seamlessly into Bridged. While standing alone, the connection between the two tracks is clear. Bridged stands out, particularly for its drumming, shifting from intensity to near stillness before closing with a powerful, unified finish.

Fade Away, the album’s lead single, is dynamically ferocious. Blending past and present elements of the genre, and featuring JEFF SMITH of JEROMES DREAM, it serves as a perfect introduction to the band despite appearing later in the track list. Friendly Face keeps the energy high as the penultimate track. It is relentless, driven by aggression and emotion, and demands to be played at full volume. The North closes the album on a fitting note. There is a sense that everything has been poured into this final track, with the band’s voices merging before the guitar slows to an almost reversed sound. As the final notes fade, the brief silence allows space for reflection.

Directions reflects a band with a clear vision. KNUMEARS aim to establish themselves in an ever-evolving metal scene, and this album is a strong introduction to their raw sound and potential. The tempo shifts and sustained energy are particularly effective. Its unpolished nature works in its favour—it feels authentic, immediate, and real. A very promising future lies ahead.

Score: 7/10

Directions will be released on 3rd April 2026 via Run For Cover Records.

Words: David Waites

Photos: Kara Aguilera