The whirlwind that is KN/IGHTS has a new album on release and plans for a European tour starting next month.
Supernatural Lover is the second album from the Britalo act fronted by James Knights (Boytronic, Scarlet Soho). It’s weightier than its predecessor but not held down by its more mature themes. If anything, the discotheque vibes are more urgent and intense.
The opener, “Knightmares,” announces the change of tone. An immensely danceable track with more hooks than a pirate boat, it’s also an emotional rollercoaster.
The title track would have made Casablanca drool. Sparkling chords and a driving pulse lead you by the hand to the dancefloor, but there is enough nostalgic flair to raise a laugh. “Satisfaction guaranteed.”
“Bite the Night” combines the throb of “Let the Music Play” with Bobby O flourishes. From the title, we expected a take on the They Never Sleep classic, “Bite the Bullet,” but it was pure Knights.
A cover of the Yazoo disco-homage, “Goodbye 70s,” is faithful to the original. The origins of Italo and Hi-NRG are in the sound of disco, and Vince Clarke wasn’t messing around when he tapped the sound for the original version.
“I Die for This Love” was written by Bjarne Sund (CRED) and originally released as Sund feat. James Knight$. It is dripping in the sweat of the Pet Shop Boys.
With “DGD,” proceedings take a turn towards John Carpenter and even Falco. “Deutschland’s getting darker” is the pointed message; putting a finger in the eye of the Fashwave AfD fans.
The album-closer, “Can’t Cry Any Longer,” is a minor key ballad to wrench tears from the girl who has been watching the object of her affections twirling all night with a girl she used to go to school with.
Supernatural Lover is a brilliant step forward for KN/GHTS full of solid floor-fillers.
KN/GHTS ON TOUR
Fri Jan 23 – Russelsheim (DE) – Das Rind
Sat, Jan 24 – Erfurt (DE) – Stadtgarten
Thu, Jan 29 – Bochum (DE) – Matrix
Fri, Jan 30 – Hamburg (DE) – Marias Ballroom
Sat, Jan 31 – Berlin (DE) – Festsaal Kreuzberg
Thu, Feb 12 – Paris (FR) – Atomic Cat
Sat, Feb 14 – Leipzig (DE) – Darkflower
(Photo: Ekaterina Yakyamseva)