Album Review: The Slow Readers Club - 'Knowledge Freedom Power'
The critically-acclaimed anthem creators of The Slow Readers Club have just released their brand new album ‘Knowledge Freedom Power’, the ten-track album is another example of why the band is still relevant and a necessity on any festival field!
The Manchester-band launched the album by sharing its lead single and title track and have risen above even their biggest hits so far. They show another and brilliant side of themselves with this electronic and thunderous sound. Album-opener ‘Modernise’ doesn’t hesitate and launches the album into the universe with the power we are so familiar with when it comes to The Slow Readers Club; both recorded and live! No pandemic can stop a good band, and in this particular case it seems to have only empowered them. The record is fueled by sizzling synth rock and a refreshing sense of optimism. ‘Afterlife’ offers us the great build up we longed for, with a pair of soaring vocals we wish we possessed. Its shimmering soundscape is carefully crafted and sounding pleasantly similar to the synth pop sounds of White Lies.
‘Afterlife’ is one of the songs that depicts the melodramatic side of the album, frontman Aaron Starkie said of the album: “The world had gotten so bleak it felt a little indulgent to paint apocalyptic pictures when they were out in the real world. I thought people would probably want to hear more uplifting things, it was my intention to be a bit more positive. There’s still a lot of melodrama in there and it’s still dystopian in places but there’s more positive shades in this record.” ‘Sacred Song’ is the most well-balanced song of the album with a very upbeat soundscape that alternates with a more downbeat rhythm that brings the drama and more intrigue to the song.
We feel seen and heard on ‘Lay Your Troubles On Me’, which sounds like a warm hug and a comforting cup of tea, if songs can ever sound like that. The track is the empowering one we needed, driven by those strong and recognisable vocals. That strong thumping and anthemic sound continues on ‘How Could You Know’ as well as title track ‘Knowledge Freedom Power’ which highlights the alternative to a world in which the few are favoured over the many… About that, Aaron adds: “Growing up as a council estate kid in Manchester I was very conscious of having a limited horizon and I guess I had a chip on my shoulder and something to prove. It’s that background that inspired both our band name and the album’s title track ‘Knowledge Freedom Power’. It is an exercise in positive sloganeering, a mantra for education as a means of a way out from social and psychological confinement.”
They’re a band that creates solid pop tracks and inspires with their honest lyricism which doesn’t back away from the truth. ‘What Might Have Been’ is another wandering pop track that gives this collection of songs another hint of colour and gives the album another layer of depth. On ‘Seconds Out’ they bring a hint of satire, ‘Forget About Me’ is potentially least inventive lyric-wise, but brings the synths to the front which makes for a very eclectic and upbeat track! ‘No You Never’ is the grand closer of the album, the sixth album of the band which will appear on blue vinyl, CD and cassette, as well as all digital and streaming platforms. They will be touring the album internationally with a series of massive shows in the UK, Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Ireland and Portugal!
Words by Laura Rosierse
