The Young Knives- '...Are Dead ...And Some' (Shifty Disco) Released 30/07/07

The Young Knives then. Kooky type typically eccentric Englishmen with a penchant for angular, jerky indie. Best known for having a bassist known simply as the House of Lords. God knows why. This album brings together two of their previous EPs- '...Are Dead' and 'Rollerskater' onto one CD for everyone to enjoy their indie charms. After a successful past year, where the band have justifiably broken through to the mainstream with their little gem of an album 'Voices Of Animals And Men' this release gives off a stench of cashing in.

Much like Sonic Youth and their recent attempts at money making the Young Knives seem to be trying to make a little cash before the public inevitably gets bored of them. Something that is soon to happen, if the lack of progress between these EPs and their debut album are anything to go by. Other than the opener 'Walking On The Autobahn' none of the songs stick in the memory very long, like a goldfish exploring the same castle like its a new adventure every day. The tracks from '...Are Dead' reign over the three 'Rollerskater' tracks prittsticked on the end like the tag along kid in your gang.

The songs are noticeably rougher around the edges than the polish that's been applied since they hit the star spangled big time, with a rawer feel prevalent. There's more shouting and screaming, and the instruments are thrashed that little bit harder. The problem is it all ends up sounding the same. There is a certain charm to be found amongst the tracks, but you might as well stick with 'Voices...' where the spit scrub shine brings the indie jiving sparkle to the fore.