Labels: Sub Pop
Review by: MH
For anyone unaware, this is a band including two thirds of Unwound, as well as a married couple on bass and drums who were in other Olympia bands (Craig Extine & The Exiles and Western Hymn). They have been together for a couple of years but this is the first recorded output to see the light of day. On hearing of the existence of this band, I kept on hunting for news of a release and making do with some youtube clips which were already having me salivating. I can only think of a handful of bands that ever excited me as much as Unwound so the furore in my head at hearing about this band was pretty huge. I saw Unwound a number of times and they blew me away every single time. I mean, what is better than seeing them play songs like “Kantina” and “Envelope”? Not much if you ask me. “Kantina” in particular – absolutely spectacular every time. Anyway, the 7inch is finally here – I had to get it shipped from the US just after the horrific postage increases but I am glad I did. Survival Knife are not light years away from the sound of Unwound although these two songs have a cleaner and punchier sound and the fuzzy distortion levels are lower. However, you have the familiar vocals from Justin Trosper and also a similar guitar sound in the riffing on show which becomes apparent seconds into “Traces Of Me”. Listen to the opening riff and flourishes on “Name That Tune” and that familiar sound is there – punchy, post hardcore drive and, this time, a catchy hook that punctuates the chorus. I get a bit of Drive Like Jehu in the guitar sound on this one too and the rhythm section is rollicking. There are only two songs here but anything is a blessing and whilst this is a brilliant quick fix, I cannot wait to hear more from Survival Knife. Really liking the crazy cover art too – I have no idea what is going on there though.