Since knapsack's inception in 1994 they have
worked hard to solidify their place in the music scene. During their time together
they have helped establish a new genre of music and influenced a group of younger
bands that have recently gained attention. Nevertheless, even while being tagged
"Emo Core" and being a part of the post-hardcore scene from the beginning, they
have always been outside of the boundaries of the Emo sound and have many varied
influences to their music. "I don't like to call what we do 'emo core'" states
singer/guitarists/songwriter Blair Shehan, "I think we make dark, hard-rocking
music with a hook and varied dynamics.
Good or bad songwriting is good or bad songwriting
silly category names aside". knapsack has always placed quality songwriting
above everything else. With the release of their third album "This conversation
is ending starting right now", knapsack have matured as a band and broadened
the sound of the genre they helped to develop. The songwriting on "This conversation"
shows not only the development of the band but also their penchant for the experimental,
all while retaining their trademark sound. "We're a lot older" notes Shehan.
"The first record was like 'wow, we can make records.' We starved to make the
second one better. With the third, we just wanted to finally take some chances."
Evidence of this new direction can be found in the use of Cello, Piano, Organ
and even Slay Bells. Don't worry though, there's still enough of the gut wrenching
vocals and driving hooks to convince even the most jaded listener to accept
what their many fans already know that this is one of the most exhilarating
new rock bands out there today.
Silver Sweepstakes
1. Cellophane
2. Trainwrecker
3. Effortless
4. Fortunate and Holding
5. Casanova
6. Makeshift
7. Centennial
8. Symmetry
9. True to Form
10. Addressee
11. Silver Sweepstakes