SAY SO

What a fine record this is. Bent Knee had somehow flown under my radar for the past couple years, but I'd seen their name pop up here and there but I never gave much thought to checking them out until a friend posted "Counselor" on Facebook. I immediately ordered this album, no hesitation. This album is a beacon of originality in a year filled with nostalgia acts reaching out to the 70's (and I guess the 80's are getting popular again) for inspiration. The lead singer Courtney Swain has one of the most delicate and yet powerful voices I've heard in awhile. She has moments that remind me of everything from old vocal jazz acts to a particularly snarling Kate Bush, but all in her own unique way; a true talent. The band is also incredibly tight and pull off all the ornate accompaniments and style shifts with finesse. One particular song I'd like to point out is "Hands Up", and I know this won't be a popular opinion, but this is one of my favorites off of the album, and it's probably the poppiest song on here. The melody is simplistic, yet utterly heart wrenching, and the chorus will be stuck in your head for days just like any good pop song should do, but it's such a well written and arranged song I can't help but love it. Utter pop perfection. This would be a five star album for me, but my interest tends to fade in the middle as the experimental influences seem to step aside to make room for the "indie" influences. Regardless, this is still an album that anyone looking for some fantastic original modern music should check out. Highly recommended, and easily one of my top five albums of the year so far.