Minus the prefix and previous album producer Andy Gill and you may think that Young Knives might lose their edge. Mercury nominated ‘Voices of Animals and Men’ proved to be the geek rock hit album of 2006 and with their 3rd full length effort, Young Knives have delivered a classic.

There simply is nothing to dislike on this album. They have transformed the sometimes-unrelateable quirkiness of their first album into brilliant alt-pop.

Produced by Tony Doogan, Superabundance sounds not awkward, but confident, bold and gallant.

Opening track ‘Fit 4 U’ is almost a statement of intent from a band perhaps best known for their on-stage banter rather than ability to create hits. Doogan even has the audacity to introduce Young Knives to strings on the breath-taking ‘Turn Tail’.

The following track ‘I Can Hardly See Them’ combines the best moments of ‘Voices…’ with a Nine Inch Nails-inspired industrial wall of noise. This is a band that is rejuvenated and entirely the better for it. Such a change from the awkward splendour of their last album was not only unexpected, but also unthinkable. Yet here are Young Knives with an album that takes your breath away with one listen.

They still possess the harmonies and musical style of a band that would be happy to be left out of the limelight. However with Tony Doogan and ‘Superabundance’, Young Knives deserve nothing but praise for this superb album.

Review by Joe Amos
www.theyoungknives.com / www.transgressiverecords.co.uk