No Knife - Riot For Romance

  by Benjamin Howarth

published: 14 / 6 / 2003

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Review

No Knife have listened to the Dischord records output. There’s no doubt about that. There’s so many nods here to Bluetip and Fugazi, and also I hear some of (the recently broken up) Dismemberment Plan in the tight groove and dreamy yet distorted/rocky guitar lines. If you can’t bear a band to let you know it’s influences then you might not enjoy 'Riot For Romance'. But you probably also have a tiny record collection. This is one of those records that I’m always going to enjoy. It has its foot in the emo, hardcore and arty-indie-rock camps, and has nice diverse songs and powerful vocals. I can put this on and nod along to a powerful, well-constructed and well-produced groove. Closer examination reveals some interesting and at times enlightening lyrics. As it’s not catchy, poppy stuff I probably won’t play this as much as some other recent releases, but you can guarantee that when I’m actually in the mood for this kind of music it’s going to go down well. Any Fugazi fans just have to get hold of a copy…it's particularly good on headphones!

Track Listing:-

1 Riot For Romance!
2 Permanent For Now
3 Swinging Lovers
4 Parting Shot
5 Feathers And Furs
6 The Red Bedroom
7 Brush Off
8 May I Call You Doll?
9 Flechette
10 This Moonlife