And Illusions, Bent Knee, Erik Kramer
Mickey's Tavern 1524 Williamson St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703
press release: This has been an incredible year for Bent Knee across the board, with its third album Say So (Cuneiform Records) receiving a unanimously rave reception from national and global media, including The Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, NPR, and Consequence of Sound.
You can experience Bent Knee in action right this second while waiting for the forthcoming gigs. Five songs from its thrilling, upcoming full-length concert film Live at the Space are now available on YouTube.
Since its inception, Bent Knee has remained true to the incredible spectrum of its diverse musical personalities. Courtney Swain’s riveting vocals lead the way through often dark lyrical themes, while guitar virtuoso Ben Levin shifts seamlessly from melodic riffs to extreme dissonance, often at a moment’s notice. Bassist Jessica Kion and drummer Gavin Wallace-Ailsworth contribute deep grooves, full of unexpected accents and ornamentation that glue the boundary-pushing work together. Violinist Chris Baum soars atop and through the material, further expanding the group’s sonic palette, and producer/sound designer Vince Welch combines it all with understated brilliance.
"Live at the Space" by Bent Knee
“The silo-smashing, Boston-based sextet taps into chamber pop, industrial rock, metal and prog-rock. Featuring the versatile, ever-appealing voice of Courtney Swain, Bent Knee’s unique mix is equal parts ingenuity and deliciousness." - Wall Street Journal
"Say So confirms Bent Knee’s eloquence and ebullience, while also breaking new stylistic and temperamental ground.” - The Boston Globe
"Mind boggling… the grandest and subtlest ideas are on the table." - NPR
"Intricately woven, surrealist stylings. A potent sense of urgency tingles the air." - Consequence of Sound
"A celebration of creative freedom and unrestricted musicianship. Easily one of the best albums of the year." - Rebel Noise
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Linda Falkenstein