You might have noticed that we don't really cover singles; it's simply too hard to sift through the sheer amount of great music that is constantly getting released. However, trust Bent Knee, one of my favorite bands of all time, to slice right through the noise and pierce me to my core with just one track. "Lawnmower", the latest single from the band, was released today. It's unclear whether this track comes to us from an upcoming full-length release (please, I ask for so little; I deserve this) but I'll take it regardless because the music itself is absolutely beautiful, showing a more contemplative, somber side of Bent Knee that's been a bit absent from their last few releases. Head on down to check it out; I don't want to keep you from it any longer.
As always, it's quite impossible to know what Bent Knee will do next and this sort of slowcore, almost post-rock sound was definitely not on my bingo list. But I tell you what, it works incredibly well. As always, Courtney Swain's incredible timbre is front and center, operating in the dual fashion that's always been her trademark, first melancholic and then explosively powerful as the track reaches its crescendo. And what a crescendo by the way! I don't think I've ever heard a Bent Knee composed in this classic post-rock fashion, where the majority of the track lays the musical groundwork and themes for their cathartic expression near its end. I'm glad they've done it though, as they prove more than capable at it, making"Lawnmower" fascinating to dive into, even when you've heard it a few times and know what's coming.
As mentioned above, hopefully this is only a precursor to a lot more new music from Bent Knee. For now, join me in pouring over every beautiful little detail of "Lawnmower" and exulting in its fiery outro. I'll see you there.