Hitting their stride after seven years of delivering the goods in the underground, Knievel shines on the understated The Name Rings a Bell That Drowns out Your Voice. Gentle harmonies drift along the lulling and quiet guitars with an easy grace, swirling around the harmonies with a deft simplicity. This is a beautiful slice of indie pop that benefits from a sparse songwriting style that emphasizes the melodies first and the individual instruments second. By cutting the fat, they only enhance the power of the ringing guitars and occasional ethereal strings that drive along the music. Knievel's moody sound calls to mind influences as far reaching as the Posies, Codeine, and Bettie Serveert, but does so with a distinct personal approach that is unmistakably their own. They've always been a dependable band, but The Name Rings a Bell That Drowns out Your Voice marks an artistic step forward that should appeal to fans of solid indie pop. ~ Bradley Torreano
Knievel last visited the US to play CMJ and a few other low-key shows. At home in Australia they have supported Buffalo Tom, Teenage Fanclub, Luna, Joe Pernice, Chris Knox, The Posies, You Am I and in 2000 they toured with Ken Stringfellow both as his backing band and support act.
Their third record, The Name Rings A Bell That Drowns Out Your Voice has been released in Australia on Architecture Label (Death Cab for Cutie) and Painted Sky in Japan (The Posies and Pedro The Lion). With an American release date set, Knievel will be spending a few months in the U.S. converting fans to the beauty that is The Name Rings A Bell That Drowns Out Your Voice.
A lot to say. The Name Rings A Bell That Drowns Out Your Voice is worth every breath, though. A beautiful, emotive record that captures your imagination and haunting fears, it is a record that somehow brings back all your hidden thoughts and memories and helps you win them once and for all, cleaning house and making room for the future.
A well-written, lyrically strong masterpiece of well-groomed pop music and expressive rock, Knievel is not afraid to leave you with some important piece of the puzzle, a thought to ponder while the glorious hooks, captivating harmonies, and enchanting rhythms sweep over you before jumping into a dizzying rock spell.
Knievel seems to have delivered an album worthy of your excitement, an album that will take your mind off life for a while and leave you with something - a feeling of control and direction- rather than making you feel like you've lost your way.
Those that hear The Name Rings A Bell That Drowns Out Your Voice will understand all of this. With one listen to the album it will all begin to make sense. Relax and enjoy. You're in for a good time.
Key Selling Points:-Toured with Ken Stringfellow (as his backing band and support act), Buffalo Tom, Teenage Fanclub, Luna, Joe Pernice, Chris Knox, The Posies, and You Am I.
-Front Man Wayne Connolly has a long list of production credits, including You Am I.
Label Contact:Alex Steininger @ In Music We Trustalex@inmusicwetrust / inmusicwetrust
Audio Mixer: Wayne Connolly.
Recording information: Charing Cross And Turtlerock, Sydney, New South Wales, (1999-2000); Mutiny Zoo, Hoboken, NJ (1999-2000).
Photographer: Knievel.
Knievel includes: Wayne Connolly.
Personnel: Wayne Connolly (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Paul McKercher (cello); Tim Kevin (keyboards).
Alternative Press (5/02, p.87) - 7 out 10 - "...Well-crafted and dead mellow. Those jonesing for a fresh slice of Aussie guitar pop can get their fix here..."
CMJ (3/4/02, p.10) - "...an album full of tracks that showcase the band's haunting, bruised songs about letting the past roll off of one's back....Piquant guitar melodies and ethereal vocal harmonies steer this disc into emotive lullaby..."
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