REVIEW BY TAMSIN JONES
Release date: Friday, February 24th 2023
Overjoyed I was able to review the new album Knowledge Freedom Power released by Slow Readers Club. This is a band that I would describe as having volcano qualities, With their electronic undertones and hypnotic tempos of previous albums this one has the same effect but with an overflowing dose of optimisim.
knowledge Freedom Power produced by Joe Cross (Hurts/Courteeners) it will follow their 2020 Top 10 album ‘The Joy of the Return’ and previous self-released album ‘91 days in isolation‘ which was recorded one band member at a time. Its no surprise to see this album absorbing the enthusiasm, the band must have had after recording together.
Opening track ‘Modernise’ hits you right between the ears, a wake up call. Aaron’s Starkies almost haunting vocals along carried along with the synthetic rocking beat, takes you back to the 80s. Frontman Aaron Starkie describes the single “It’s a song about the constant need to learn and adapt to changing circumstances, bit of a techno fear song. Partly inspired by having to work again when covid hit. It’s a familiar TSRC theme I guess about struggles with systems, life’s pressures and conformity.”
A majority of the album is a huge dose of optimisim ‘Sacred Song’ has a melody that sounds like a smile! that’s the only way I can describe it.
‘Lay your troubles on me’ is a comforting about us sticking together in a world ofbuilt up fear. A feeling of community after a time of forced separation, don’t be shocked if your smiling, dancing and hugging your neighbour by the end of the track.
Frontman Aaron Starkie says, “The world had got so bleak it felt a little indulgent to paint apocalyptic pictures when they were out in the real world. I thought people would probably want to hear more uplifting things, it was my intention to be a bit more positive. There’s still a lot of melodrama in there and it’s still dystopian in places but there’s more positive shades in this record.”
Throughout this album I’d agree the album delivers that feeling of euphoria and captures what humankind have brought out of bleak situations such as bringing together community, love and friendship.
But at the same time addressing the harsh reality of what is also going on in the world, and our ever-growing powerlessness to it such as tracks ‘Seconds out’ and although it’s dark topic I’d say it’s one of my favourite off the album.
Frontman Aaron Starkie says, “The world had got so bleak it felt a little indulgent to paint apocalyptic pictures when they were out in the real world. I thought people would probably want to hear more uplifting things, it was my intention to be a bit more positive. There’s still a lot of melodrama in there and it’s still dystopian in places but there’s more positive shades in this record.”
The powerful punchy lyrics of the title track Knowledge Freedom Power gives a feel of staying united and being positive as a form of rebel in itself. Which is exactly what we all need.
The Slow Readers Club recently announced details of their 2023 headline tour, which has already sold-out its homecoming show at Manchester’s Albert Hall, as well as number of other dates Remaining tickets for the tour are available here
HEADLINE TOUR DATES
MARCH 2023
2nd–UK, Barrow-in-Furness, Barrow Library
4th-UK, Leeds, University Stylus
6th-UK, Glasgow, SWG3
7th-UK, Aberdeen, Lemon Tree
9th-UK, Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
10th-UK, Birmingham, O2 Academy 2
11th-UK, Bristol, Thekla
13th-UK, Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms
14th-UK, London, Lafayette
17th-UK, Manchester, Albert Hall (SOLD OUT)
23rd-Germany, Berlin,Lido
24th-Germany, Hamburg, Übel & Gefährlich
25th-Belgium, Antwerp, Trix Club
30th-France, Paris, Supersonic
31st-Netherlands, Rotterdam, Rotown (SOLD OUT)
APRIL 2023
1st-Netherlands, Amsterdam, Paradiso Tolhuistuin
14th-UK, Belfast, Limelight 2
15th-Ireland, Dublin, Academy
1/ MODERNISE
2/ AFTERLIFE
3/ SACRED SONG
4/ LAY YOUR TROUBLES ON ME
5/ HOW COULD YOU KNOW
6/ KNOWLEDGE FREEDOM POWER
7/ WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN
8/ SECONDS OUT
9/ FORGET ABOUT ME
10/ NO YOU NEVER
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
