Knyght
Destination Uknown Independent

by Alissa Ordabai
Staff Writer

Comments: Through appalling production, impenetrable accent and total vocal incompetence, shines an extraordinary gift for hooks and sheer raw songwriting talent that this adolescent Italian outfit has no idea how to present. This is a bizarre little demo from a band whose melodies could get them signed today, but whose singer ruins any chance of a record deal they may have with a tuneless voice devoid of any range, structure, character or skill.

The first track, “Stop Me,” is a shrewdly composed, slightly kooky payoff to early Motley Crue, with quaintly eccentric synth carrying the simple riff, and the sparkling chorus making you want to bop your head and dance to this airy, instantly memorable little tune. You won’t be dancing to this track for long though, as the further it progresses, the more the singer spoils it with his voice so hopelessly bland and technique so obviously lacking that in the end all you end up doing is wondering why the band has hired this fella in the first place.

This story continues for the rest of the EP which, amazingly, is full of gems, with catchy melodies and beautifully phrased guitar solos capturing the early Eighties glam metal vibe so effortlessly and giving it such an elegant, fresh reading, that the contrast between all these marvels and the vocals finally leaves you in complete bewilderment of how to react to this record. Pity, amusement and irritation are all equally justified options, but the best response to this oddest of demos would probably be patience and forgiving kindness towards the singer. Which would allow you to really enjoy these good-tempered melodic rock delights, but which, sadly, you may not muster enough of.

www.knyghtband.com

www.myspace.com/knyghtband

Track Listing:
Stop Me
Neverland
The Believer
I’ll Live in Your Shadow
Destination Unknown

Hardrock Haven rating: 6/10