31 Knots "Talk Like Blood" (Polyvinyl)
31 Knots have been a band that have flown under the indie rock radar for quite some time now. So, I was surprised, yet quite ecstatic, to see the band sign to Polyvinyl last year. The band seems to have giving credence to signing to a bigger label by releasing the best album of their career. On Talk Like Blood, their third album and debut for Polyvinyl, the band has taken a giant step in their evolution. This album is as diverse an indie rock album that I have heard in a long time. Talk Like Blood sees the band expanding their sound into areas of pop music like forward-thinking indie rock bands such as The Dismemberment Plan and The Fire Show did so well. While the band seemed to worship at the altar of Fugazi on past albums, the math rock and angular tendencies have been sharpened down to a fine point. This really does wonders for the band's accessibility. The band seems to be rather fearless in their pursuit of making music that shows no genre limits. As a listener that that can be a frustrating and/or exciting experience. However, on Talk Like Blood, 31 Knots push all the right buttons. The band should garner a multitude of praise as Talk Like Blood is a glorious accomplishment on all counts.
RIYL: Fugazi, The Dismemberment Plan, The Fire Show
Listen: 31 Knots – Chain Reaction (mp3)
