In the modern world, there’s a focus on trends, and it’s easy to forget that they’re not the be all and end all.

By Graeme Smith

While much is said about the attention deficit economy, and music that suits twenty-second clips on TikTok and Instagram, there’s a danger of overshadowing those who are still making long-form music as storytelling. Industry and streaming pressures don’t help, so the burden falls on true independents.

One such band are the curiously named Knife Emoji, coming out of Minneapolis, USA. The band are something of an enigma, choosing to let their music do the talking rather than focus too much on personality. Their high-calibre self-titled album shows why.

From its ghoulish opener The Laboratory, we know we’re in for something a little different. It’s the first step on a gradually unfolding, unbroken tale that takes us through the enchantment of Eastern Wind parts one and two, the delicate and raucous contrast of The Show, and the gentle ambience of Mirror Monster.

The lyrics are rich with poetry throughout, feeling one-part social commentary, and one-part personal reflection. The words are delivered with confidence and emotion through smooth vocals.

The songs are punctuated by ‘nightmares,’ moody instrumental interludes that build atmosphere and nuance. They’re audible exhales that ensure the drama unfolds at a manageable pace.

When we arrive at closer Don’t Need Much, a meditation of desire, it feels we’ve got there naturally.

I love an album that really surprises and makes me think ‘who does this sound like’ without coming up with any real answers. Knife Emoji’s alternative rock sound is cinematic, psychedelic, bold, uncompromising, and cohesive. It’s unparalleled in my recent listening so I must include their debut in my potential album of the year shortlist.

Not least because it’s an album in the truest sense of the word. It’s not a collection of tracks but a seamless journey through pieces that have been deliberately crafted to fit together. You can’t just listen to one in isolation, much as Pink Floyd’s seminal works only made sense as a whole.

With this album, Knife Emoji have landed themselves firmly on my radar, and those of other tastemakers. If you want to keep up to date with what they’re doing, you can do so via their website, and by following them on Bandcamp, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Knife Emoji is out 20 March 2026.