31 Knots - The Days and Nights of Everything

Proggy-pop/post-hardcore outfit 31 Knots pull off the defining moment of a career on its fourth LP The Days and Nights of Everything Anywhere. The Portland trio meticulously circumvents repetition, changing pace and style on nearly every song on the album. Erratic rhythms, impeccably keen basslines and wiry guitars compose a foundation for heavy, unmerciful drums and the numerous other instruments brought into the studio for this one. Thankfully the mish-mash of everything is never too jumbled, leaving each instrument perfectly discernible. Joe Haege is quite the lyricist, and it’s unfortunate 31 Knots will probably never be known for that aspect—there’s too much going on with the music itself to turn attention to what he’s saying. Think a Fugazified Menomena with more technical proficiency, and here’s what you’ll come up with. [www.polyvinylrecords.com]