‘Velvet Mindest‘ is the debut LP by Knots. In the 12 months that they’ve been together they’ve played a handful of notable gigs, most recently in support of fellow up-and-comers The Radioactive Grandma. They’ve released their debut EP, and now their debut album. All-in-all, it’s been an ambitious year for Knots and their debut is equally ambitious.

For the most part, their sound is something wholly detached from the Irish mainstream; large rock tunes with huge drums and big choruses that echo the early 2000’s hard rock of our American cousins. What is normally a close-minded genre has been expanded by Knots with their genuine lyrics and their soaring, operatic harmonies.

But what they gain from their ambition, they lack in the basics. At times, really well made stadium rock can be unbeatable and many artists strive to attain those lofty peaks. Bands like Linkin Park and their ilk create spaces between the sounds they create and drive points home to the listener when needed. In short, they’re dynamic. Knots lack that oomph that you need to make this genre really hit home. It’s a very good first offering, and they are some great tunes on ‘Velvet Mindset’, but even after a few listens you can feel it start grate on you; it doesn’t have that staying power.

That being said, we’ll have to wait and see how things will pan out for Knots. Most bands don’t fall in to their own flow until after a number of years together. Another 12 months may see the development of a band that are probably still growing together as musicians. And it’ll likely be a change for the better.