With Harry George Johns (acoustic) in the cafe bar.

Concrete Knives – ‘Be Your Own King’
Debut album released 18th February 2013 on Bella Union

Fusing youthful exuberance with an artistic prowess far beyond their years, Concrete Knives are a band who have illuminated stages around Europe with their unique blend of resonating guitars, elaborate melodies, charging, pounding rhythms and euphoric collective vocals – an enticing and exciting mixture which unfailingly attracts the undivided attention of all who fall into their path. Now, this lauded Normandy outfit are set to unleash their highly anticipated debut album upon the world. Be Your Own King is a collection of tracks harnessing the inspired spirit, the mindset and the powerful energy of this group of Caen natives, which comprises the talents of Nicolas Delahaye, Morgane Colas, Adrien Lepretre, Augustin Hauville and Guillaume Aubertin.

Be Your Own King is much more than just an album title, it’s a philosophy. It’s an attitude, a call to arms, an instruction to confront the world in your own way, to realise your ambitions, and to have the time of your life while doing so. It’s an album whose songs fly the flag of all that Concrete Knives stand for, and a record which brandishes explosive dynamics, playful hooks, powerful, pulsating bass lines as well as an all important angular pop pinch.

“Our songs are pretty independent from each other, and from the moment they’re born – generally from the mind of Nicolas – they hold a mystery that we need to take the time to solve,” explains vocalist Morgane Colas. “I really believe that the songs are born as mysterious and inaccessible, and that our job is to give them a sense that’s faithful to their essence.”

Working alongside Parisian production and writing stalwart Dan Levy of The Dø on “Bornholmer”, “Greyhound Racing & Wild Gun man”, on Be Your Own King, Concrete Knives have harnessed the unadulterated passion that floods their touted live show, and shaped and moulded it into this perfect collection of catchy, heart-filled, compelling tracks. From the inciting, driving guitar chords and echoing chants of opener ‘Greyhound Racing’, the sublime vocals and anthemic quality of ‘Happy Mondays’ through to the understated rhythmic sway of ‘Africanize’, the band remain resolute in their intention, to create bright and honest music the Concrete Knives way.

“We write as soon as the moment strikes us, no matter where, no matter when,” Morgane states, hinting at the impulsive, spontaneous energy that flows through the tracks, before going on to describe the band’s intentions for the future as “to let ourselves be amazed by music, our own and that of others. To travel the world, creating special relationships along the way. And to keep hoping.”

Be Your Own King is a true and irresistible reflection of all that this Caen collective stand for, an intelligent, creative and rousing musical proposition offered up by the minds of a group of deeply inspired individuals. It’s the band’s philosophy captured in a series of peerless, distinctive indie motions, and it’s a record which proves that Concrete Knives have the boundless energy, the fire and the natural, deep rooted talent to tempt and sway each listener of their unique fusions into total submission.

Line of Best Fit – 8.5/10
What is glaringly evident is that the band, in its infancy, has already created a recognisable sound that stands out from the general commotion in the music world.

405 – 8/10
designed for cramped venues; it’s not going to be a difficult task to get a room of sloshed gig-goers warbling along and strutting their stuff to this.

Music OMH – 4 Stars
gloriously upbeat and off the wall pop rock, guaranteed to warm the soul and thaw out even the coldest winter feet for dancing.

“Concrete Knives have created the perfect balance of indie pop” This is Fake DIY
“The sound of being dragged onto the dancefloor at 2am ” Artrocker
“A carnival in your front room ” Steve Lamacq
“Amazing! ” Rob Da Bank

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