Preaching From the Pews: KNESSET

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KNESSET are a shoegaze American band, based in and between Phoenix and Los Angeles. Producing shattering waves of cinematic walls of noise, and impressively lingering, epic lyrical narratives that reach inside your ribcage and grab you by the heart….

Their debut full-length Coming of Age was released in Japan on & Records (also home to Joan of Arc, Camera Obscura and Owen) in February 2011. It’s also available for digital download here. The record was mixed by John Congleton, who has previously worked with the likes of St. Vincent, The Walkmen and Explosions in the Sky, and features contributions by Michael Bell of Crystal Castles and Marc Bianchi of Her Space Holiday.

Coming of Age fuses towering shoegaze textures with energetic pop hooks and honest lyrics that captivate listeners. It’s a precise brand of music from a young group. The growing buzz both locally and now internationally pales in comparison to Knesset’s impeccably crafted melodies on shimmering vibraphones and Rhodes pianos, striking guitar tones and precise drumming.

Knesset’s discerning aesthetic, driven by principle songwriter and vocalist Evan Fox, delivers their catchiest moments within adventurous orchestration. Primary drummer Jeffrey Olsen and guest Bell, who contributed to three songs on the album, propel the band’s impressive guitar work and ear-catching instrumentation with driving, creative beats. As a result, Coming of Age recalls the structure of American Analog Set and Blonde Redhead mixed with the playful studio experiments of Broken Social Scene and Sonic Youth.

Knesset has toured with and supported artists like The Album Leaf, The Appleseed Cast, Asobi Seksu and Her Space Holiday. This year the band will take stage in the Phoenix and Southern California area, as well as embark on regional tours with the most respected artists in the country.

Also, check out our new video for their song “Bitter Hearts” here.

God is in the TV is an online music and culture fanzine founded in Cardiff by the editor Bill Cummings in 2003. GIITTV Bill has developed the site with the aid of a team of sub-editors and writers from across Britain, covering a wide range of music from unsigned and independent artists to major releases.