Over the last six months Kneehigh have become good. Really, really good. Their last EP showed they’d massive strides, but ‘Distance Over Time’ makes even bigger leaps – I’d go as far as saying that they’re rapidly becoming one of my favourite UK bands. In the past the Norwich lads have always been there or there abouts, but on this record they’ve finally nailed their sound. At times they sound a little like modern day Incubus, at others more like Saves The Day or Gatsbys American Dream. The songs are complex yet catchy, the structures inventive and the melodies spot on. The five tracks on this record are superb.
‘Texas’ is possibly my favourite song by a UK band this year – it’s five minutes long yet every word is memorable and will hook you in to singalong. The groove of the bass is particularly great, a trait which the band seem to be able to come up with every time. ‘Keeping Them Closed’ is immense, with Greg’s vocal really coming into its own. This is now a band that oozes confidence; a band who fully believe in themselves and their ability. There’s even samples thrown in the background for good measure. ‘Alone’ is even better still, coming across during the choruses like Weezer. The drumming is also absolutely spot on throughout this album – I really wanted to point that out because it really stands out; the rolls and fills are well placed. Thumbs up to Lavar for his awesome production, as usual.
And all this has been done using analogue recording techniques, and by pressing and making their own CDs and packaging. Beautiful. In short, Kneehigh are very, very quickly making an impact and, if I was you, I’d give them a chance now…
www.kneehighmusic.co.uk
Paul