#29 - Ryan & Steve

The Knife

Silent Shout

2006

We condemned the deformed and crippled mutants amongst us to a subterranean confinement indefinitely. Finally, the mutants seemed to have learned how to make music, pulsing it through their stalagmite-ridden dance floors. Blinding flashes and strobes make the dripping moisture glow and pulsate to the piercing beats. And the voice of the singer is just barely recognizable as human with its dramatic distortions and inflections. When the synchronized lights flash in just the right orientation, one can make out the figures of an audience of warped, dysmorphic freaks menacingly swaying to the beats.

The Knife is a brother-sister duo (Olof and Karin Dreijer) from Sweden. They created Silent Shout, which was easily my favorite record of 2006. One could say this is some brooding form of synth pop when listening to the first minute of the record, but then you hear Karin’s vocals and realize this is something far more sinister. Her unsettling and distorted vocals have a wide range of variability throughout the record. So much that you may be mistaken to think Olof is singing at some point. Honestly, I haven’t taken the time to figure out what most of the songs are about, with the exception of “We Share Out Mother’s Health.” This amazing single begins with what sounds like some sort of machine attempting to warm up with disorienting sounds until it is finally able to take form into an icy backdrop of beats. Somewhat cryptically, it becomes clear that Karin is a bit of an environmentalist in that our mother is, in fact, our planet and by treating it poorly, we are also hurting ourselves. It’s interesting hearing such an unusual and foreign sound being used to express any sort of uniquely human concern. While The Knife may be tentatively broken up, we at least have Karin’s solo work (Fever Ray) to enjoy in the future. -R.C.

A sensational record. The opening title track is sure to grab anyone willing to give this music a chance. There are few other songs I have ever heard that seem to always entice me to turn up the volume to the maximum setting. And it only sets the table for an emotional ride of fast-paced highs and calming lows. Everyone should give this album at least one listen. - Phil