KNIFEPLAY

BAND DISCOVERED
Knifeplay started out as the solo project of musician TJ Strohmer. I think I first became aware of them around 2022, when they signed with Topshelf Records. But I never really took the time to properly dive into their music. A few snippets here and there, but nothing more. Their latest release, Love Song, has made me realize just how much I’ve been missing out on. What an epic piece of music, what an emotional journey. Ever since the song dropped on October 5, I haven’t been able to shake those ten minutes. And the accompanying short film? It absolutely moves me. I have such a soft spot for this kind of artistic, deeply emotional expression. Love Song also reminds me of a long-lost song idea that could have come straight from Wilco.

KILLER SONG MOMENTS
It’s about two wounded people reaching for each other, not because love can undo the damage, but because holding on to someone might be the closest thing to healing they know. And I can feel that in the music, too. From beginning to end, this song feels like a warm embrace. It wraps itself around you, without needing grand gestures or too many words, yet carrying so much emotion. Sometimes, simply being held is enough.

FAVORITE LYRIC LINE
I’ll put my arms around you / You are hurt and I’m hurt too / I’ll put my arms around you / I feel how we’ve changed / But can we forgive too?

CHARACTERISTICS THAT APPLY
haunting | cathartic | immersive

BESIDES THAT
Now I’m incredibly excited for the new full-length album coming in January, and I’m just as happy knowing that there’s an entire back catalog waiting for me to discover.