ALBUM REVIEW: Keyframe – Palette Knife
Self-proclaimed nerdcore Midwest emo outfit, PALETTE KNIFE, are back with their newest record Keyframe. According to the trio, the album is a sonic adventure with a guarantee of catchy pop-punk choruses within a blend of serene harmonies with a bonus of small nods to pop culture. Well, they technically said that it will “knock your pop culture themed socks off” so we imagine that’s what they meant.
And do they deliver? Absolutely. From start to finish PALETTE KNIFE hold your attention with equal parts feel-good pop-punk breakdowns and moody lyrics that one may find all too relatable but done in their own unique way as demonstrated with opening track Phoenix Down. The first thing we hear is distorted feedback that gradually shifts into a moody alternative pop-punk sound that is tied together with a rather dreamlike melody. The music somehow manages to feel nostalgic whilst also sounding modern that you’ll come to appreciate as for around the first minute the song is entirely instrumental. For a moment you might be confused, especially due to how it’s structured in beats where it feels like lyrics should be, but once we hear the delayed vocals, it all makes sense. And even then, you’re prepared to enjoy a stunning soundscape.
It’s fair to say that a lot of the record is made up of nostalgic 90s pop-punk sound, but even then, there’s so much more to the record than that description. Sure, you can enjoy tracks that bring you back in time to your teen years where you may have enjoyed summer weather soundtracked by pop-punk classics, namely on tracks like Leviathan, a feel-good track that’s hard not to feel happy after listening, Faultsiphon that is the epitome of the ‘this is fine’ meme, and Sleep Paralysis that, not only is summer-coded, but feels very much inspired by 90s-era BLINK 182. But that’s not to discount the shift into serious lyrics whilst maintaining that happy sound. A little too true to life there.
As said, PALETTE KNIFE delves into that Midwest emo sound that perfectly soundtracks moments of brutal honesty and vulnerabilities regarding existentialism and mental health. That’s not to say that everything slows down during these songs, but it does allow a period to be poignant and serious where it feels appropriate. A good example of when things stay at a faster tempo is during Ratking Regicide where things take on a darker sound due to the opening feedback and the faint scratching-like sounds heard throughout the song. Yet it maintains an anthemic quality and even draws a slight comparison to PANIC! AT THE DISCO’s Build God, Then We’ll Talk.
We could go on about all the highlights for this album, but you’re better off going to listen for yourselves. Trust us when we say that you’re in for an enjoyable listening experience.
Rating: 8/10
Keyframe is out now via Take This To Heart Records.
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