Dared the Knot- 06 Demo

ARTIST: Dared the Knot
ALBUM: 06 Demo
LABEL: Self-released
REVIEWER: Matthew J.
DATE: 10-27-07

Dared the Knot's demo comes on hard at first, the guitars pounding so mercilessly on "The Crossing" you're afraid they're another hardcore/metal crossover act, but then things suddenly shift into a more contemplative mood with subdued electronics and a vocal style that owes less to current trends than heavy yet melancholy '90s bands like Helmet. "Machine Roars to Life" is similar industrial-infused hard rock, with chugging metal guitar beefing up moody vocal hooks, while "The Red Road" brings the goth influences to the forefront with moping keyboards. Just when cataloguing the New York band's diverse influences threatens to make your head explode, it all becomes clear: they're Curve fans, of course! And they do that legendary band proud with a cover of "Fait Accompli" that manages to capture the original's curious blend of swagger and uncertainty. Dared the Knot draw inspiration from so many places that they seem to be struggling a bit to find their own sound, but for a first release this isn't bad at all. The production isn't all it could be, but the band's myriad influences are all eclectic masters in their own right, and given a bit more time and practice, they're sure to bring those diverse perspectives into a cohesive whole.

Visit Dared the Knot on MySpace at www.myspace.com/daredtheknot to hear their latest sounds.