Knumears - Directions

Throughout Directions, Knumears manage to take classic screamo tropes–the wildly swinging dynamics, the crushing ferocity, the unabashed vulnerability–and reinvigorate them through sheer force of will. “The early screamo bands are special because they didn't have pre-existing bands to try and sound like,” says Cole. “They were screaming because they needed to not because it was cool.” This appreciation for the genre’s forebears is built into the incendiary lead single “Fade Away,” which features a guest appearance from Jerome’s Dream frontman Jeff Smith. The song’s panicked opening riff gives way to a propulsive snare roll, exploding into a full-band attack as Smith’s unhinged voice rips through the finale. 

In the end Knumears’ ability to encapsulate so much of what’s made screamo exciting and enduring simply comes down to the passion that’s so intrinsic to the genre itself. "I think what draws us to this type of music, just like everyone else, is the absolute raw emotion,” Cole says. “We all grew up listening to hardcore, and I think that allows you to see the world in a completely different light—both more creatively and intellectually. Not being raised on music that had nothing real to say was the best thing that happened to us."

Tracklist:
1. Introduction
2. One Light, Sunshine
3. My Name
4. Breaking Ground
5. Directions
6. Untitled
7. Bridged
8. Fade Away
9. Friendly Face
10. The North