Customer Reviews

It Was High Time to Escape [Vinyl]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm going to try to avoid saying what has already been said...
I first experienced 31 Knots live, at the Fireside Bowl in Chicago. They were on the bill with a few other math rock/indie bands (namely Haymarket Riot), and I had never heard of them before. They took the stage, and with the first song, I was blown away. The musicianship was incredible, and the songs were simultaneously catchy, complex, and thrilling. Not only are these guys exceptional musicians, but they are creating (in my opinion) the most unique, and perhaps the best music in the Indie scene today. And yes, every song on the album is very, very good (my personal favorite being "We Still Have Legs"). With reviews as glowing as these, give it shot, eh?

Search the internet for reviews of this album and you'll have a very difficult time finding an unfavorable one. That's because 31 Knots have made the album fans always hoped they'd make - a tight, clean, passionate set of songs that veer in ten different directions at once without ever losing focus. These songs are tight the way a great short story is tight. Lyrically and vocally, Joe Haege has taken huge steps forward. The singing on It Was High Time to Escape no longer has to be explained as an acquired taste, and the lyrics are dense and twisted but in no way nonsensical.
The musicianship is superb. No surprise there, but 31 Knots have also learned when the simple, non-showy melodies will hit the hardest. This album is just that - an album, a cohesive statement. This is one of those records that take multiple listens to understand fully. Surprises and subtleties reveal themselves slowly, but the hooks and passion are instantly recognizable. Fans of rock music should consider this an essential buy.
Standout tracks? All of them.

But it is an original sound. Love it! Track nine blew me away "Played Out For Punchlines". So many different things happening on this album - can't wait for more, getting their older stuff as soon as I am done with this review.

I've seen these guys live and own all of their albums and I have to say, they are a sorely needed breath of fresh air. Just when I thought there weren't any good ideas left in rock, I was fortunate enough to be at a bar here in OKC one night when they were playing and I have been sold ever since. If you like Nickelback or anything on pop radio for that matter, 1st - don't buy this CD, 2nd - die. These guys are just as much for math rockers as they are for indie folk. Just pick a CD and buy it. I don't think I could give a high enough recommendation to them.