The Knells "Knells II"

Country: USA
Genre(s): Progressive Rock, Classical
Label: Still Sound Music
Format: CD, digital, vinyl
Release date: November 10, 2017
Tracklist: 
01. First Song (4:40)
02. Interlude I (2:30)
03. Could You Would You (4:24)
04. Sub Rosa (4:52)
05. Coda (2:51)
06. Bargaining (2:31)
07. Final Breath (3:35)
08. Poltergeist (4:55)
09. Interlude II (5:24)
10. Immolation (6:57)

Total Time: 42:39

Line-up: 
Nina Berman - soprano
Charlotte Mundy - mezzo-soprano
Blythe Gaissert - contralto
Paul Orbell - guitar
Andrew McKenna Lee - guitar
Jude Traxler - percussion, Rhodes, electronics
Jeff Gretz - drums
Joseph Higgins - bass

Description/Reviews: 

These guys do ..., manipulating their unique band structure to bring together both progressive rock in the style of Yes, Genesis and Gentle Giant (think the early-mid periods of these bands, so albums like Selling England By the Pound and Relayer/Fragile) and classical influenced choirs and strings. This unique structure is as follows: first, there is no lead singer. Instead, vocals are all handed via a classically arranged choir (Nina Berman, soprano; Charlotte Mundy, mezzo; Blythe Gaissert, alto). Secondly, the rest of the instruments are placed and produced in the classic style of the 60’s, with heavy emphasis on the groove and percussion section (Andrew McKenna Lee, guitar; Jude Traxler, percussion and electronics, Jeff Gretz, drums, and Joseph Higgins, bass).

Read the full review by Eden Kupermintz at heavyblogisheavy.com

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
Web page
Facebook
Progarchives
Proggnosis

The Knells "The Knells"

Country: USA
Sub Genre: Psychedelic, Chamber, Post Rock
Label:  New Amsterdam Records
Release date: November 19, 2013
Tracklist: 

1. Airlift 06:17
2. Thread 03:21
3. Fray 04:56
4. Dying in Waves 04:20
5. Distance 07:13
6. Syncromesh 06:20
7. Seethe 06:51
8. Dissolve 06:20
9. Spiral Proem 03:06
10. Spiral Knells 10:01

Line-up: 
Nina Berman, vocals
Amanda Gregory, vocals
Katya Powder, vocals
Andrew McKenna Lee, guitar
Paul Orbell, guitar
Jude Traxler, percussion
Michael McCurdy, drums and percussion
Joseph Higgins, bass
     with
the MIVOS String Quartet

Description/Reviews: 

Blending Renaissance polyphony, symphonic lieder, jazz, classic and progressive rock, and even ‘60s Motown vocal music, The Knells finds Lee expanding his creative scope, embracing many of the stylistic streams that have come to define modern song in a remarkably cohesive and unique experience.
Lyrically, The Knells pays homage to the classic idea of the thematic “concept album,” and examines some of the personal and eternal questions that define and confound the human search for meaning and significance. In service of this overarching theme, The Knells confronts such specific ideas as one’s perception of the passage of time, the illusive nature of progress, the power of perspective in deriving meaning from one’s own life, and the circular and ultimately transcendental – if somewhat violent – beauty of nature.
Sonically, The Knells finds Lee employing a veritable armada of instruments, sounds, and ideas to explore the wide dynamic range of the amplified ensemble. Softer chamber music passages for strings, bowed percussion, and quiet guitars frequently contrast with louder, more rhythmically driven passages. The constant throughout is a trio of female vocalists that deliver hypnotic incantations - sometimes homophonically, and at other times in complex contrapuntal arrangements.

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
Web page