The Unravelling by Knifeworld

Initially conceived as a Kavus Torabi solo project, Knifeworld started life in 2009 following the release of the debut album Buried Alone: Tales Of Crushing Defeat.

Kavus Torabi formed and fronted the unique London psychedelic/ math rock group, The Monsoon Bassoon from the mid 90s until their split in 2001. The Monsoon Bassoon’s music was typified by complex arrangements, soaring melodic hooks and incendiary performances. Perhaps the only group to ever receive ‘Single Of The Week’ three times in a row from the NME, The Monsoon Bassoon showcased Torabi’s angular guitar playing and ambitious compositions.

Following The Monsoon Bassoon’s split Torabi joined legendary cult band and kindred spirits Cardiacs in 2003 as guitarist until their unfortunate demise in 2008. Torabi joined the Avant-progressive group Guapo in 2005 as both co-composer and guitarist with whom he continues to play. Kavus Torabi also joined world renowned psychedelic group, Gong, in 2013 as guitarist/ writer.

While Knifeworld’s debut album featured Torabi playing the majority of instruments, with guests, a concrete line up was assembled to perform the material live.

Knifeworld initially included Melanie Woods (Cardiacs/ Sidi Bou Said), Emmett Elvin and Chloe Herington (Chrome Hoof), Craig Fortnam (North Sea Radio Orchestra) Khyam Allami and recorded two EP’s: Dear Lord, No Deal (2011), Clairvoyant Fortnight (2012).

Following the departure of Fortnam and Allami in 2012, Knifeworld enlisted drummer and bassist Ben Woollacott and Charlie Cawood and expanded the horn section with Nicki Maher and Josh Perl allowing increasingly dense studio arrangements to be performed live.

The Unravelling is the first recording of the full eight-piece line up. Traditional rock instruments are augmented with male/ female vocal harmonies, bassoon, saxophones, keys and strings. Torabi typically employs psychedelic, polyrhythmic arrangements married to insistent pop-hooks that are both ambitious and unpredictable.

A musically kaleidoscopic, eight-song cycle shot through with melancholy, regret and loss. Like an explosion in an acid factory, The Unravelling is singular, otherworldly and audacious.

Detectable influences may include XTC, Henry Cow, Syd Barrett, Led Zeppelin, Steve Reich, Todd Rundgren, Black Sabbath, Magma, Voivod and Sonic Youth.

Kavus Torabi: Guitar and Singing
Melanie Woods: Singing
Chloe Herington: Bassoon, Saxophone and Singing
Emmett Elvin: Keyboards
Charlie Cawood: Bass
Ben Woollacott: Drums
Olly Sellwood: Baritone Saxophone
Josh Perl: Saxophone and Singing

knifeworld.co.uk
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