Knifeplay’s latest album, “Animal Drowning,” is a mesmerizing journey filled with captivating moments that intertwine a powerful sound with emotional depth. The album seamlessly blends the dark allure of shoegaze with the reflective and luminous world of dream pop, creating a safe space for listeners to immerse themselves in a truly unique experience.
Before the release of “Animal Drowning,” Knifeplay introduced themselves to the music scene with their debut album, “Pearlty,” in 2019. The album was a result of years of bedroom recording sessions, along with two EPs titled “No Funeral” and “with u.” Reflecting on the inspiration behind their music, band member Strohmer shares, “I was a young person with little direction in life, experiencing a big city for the first time, and the entire attitude behind shoegaze felt like a perfect soundtrack to that experience.”
Recognizing the raw essence of “Pearlty,” band member TJ recalls, “It will always be special to me because I know that labor went into it… I was so inspired by a new world of music I was still uncovering.” In 2024, Knifeplay decided to revisit their debut album, giving it a fresh polish and mastering for a re-release, marking a new chapter in their musical journey.
As Knifeplay evolves and explores new realms of their artistry, they are eager to showcase different facets of their sound. “Nowadays the things I’m passionate about have changed, and the tone and colors of my life has changed, so my inspirations have changed with it,” says Strohmer. With a recent tour alongside alt-rock band RIDE under their belt and the anticipation of a third LP in the works, Knifeplay remains steadfast in their commitment to creating enchanting soundscapes for their audience to indulge in.