Following the release of their critically-acclaimed album Land Animal in 2017, the band has toured extensively throughout the US and Europe and recently has been busy in the studio working on new music for both Bent Knee and various other projects. Most recently, they were selected by Judd Greenstein (New Amsterdam Records) to create a full contemporary-classical composition with a percussion chamber ensemble. The band collaborated with Sam Solomon (Boston Conservatory), to create what would be their first-ever full composition of this kind, and utilized students from the Boston Conservatory to create the piece. The six-movement piece explores different aspects and experiences related to memory. It debuted live at the Apples & Olives Festival in Zurich in March 2018, and a full concert film was recorded that will be released soon.
During the Paper Earth tour, Bent Knee will perform music from Land Animal and preview some new material that they have been working on for their next album.
Bent Knee formed in Boston in 2009 as a democratic collective determined to push the boundaries of pop and rock. Lead singer and keyboardist Courtney Swain’s soaring vocals are instantly arresting. Guitarist Ben Levin is one of the most dynamic and versatile guitarists around, shifting between the raging and raucous to the sublime and meditative. Bassist Jessica Kion and drummer Gavin Wallace-Ailsworth combine into an enthralling rhythm section that’s equal parts powerhouse and nuance. Violinist Chris Baum’s kinetic violin work provides drama, grace, and intrigue. World-class producer and live sound designer Vince Welch weaves it all together with a captivating, expert touch. The band has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Its last three albums, 2017’s Land Animal, 2016’s Say So and 2014’s Shiny Eyed Babies, were hailed as significant art-rock achievements. The group has performed hundreds of shows across the world to date.
Summer Tour Dates:
5/31 Nashua, NH @ Riverwalk
6/2 Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall
6/3 Providence, RI @ Fete Music Hall
6/4 New Haven, CT @ Cafe Nine
6/6 Asbury Park, NJ @ The Saint
6/7 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
6/8 Philadelphia, PA @ The Boot & Saddle
6/9 Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery
6/11 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
6/14 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
6/15 New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa
6/16 Dallas, TX @ Three Links
6/17 Austin, TX @ The Sidewinder
6/19 Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
6/20 Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
6/21 San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
6/22 Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Theater
6/23 San Francisco, CA @ Cafe Du Nord
6/24 San Jose, CA @ Art Boutiki
6/28 Eugene, OR @ HiFi Music Hall
6/29 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
6/30 Seattle, WA @ Barboza
7/3 Boise, ID @ Neurolux
7/5 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
7/6 Denver, CO @ Lost Lake
7/7 Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck
7/8 St. Louis, MO @ Fubar
7/10 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry
7/11 Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern
7/12 Madison, WI @ Art In
7/13 Lansing, MI @ Mac’s Bar
7/14 Ferndale, MI @ Pig and Whiskey Festival
7/15 Bellafontaine, OH @ Holland Theatre
7/17 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern
7/18 Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place
7/19 Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
7/21 Amityville, NY @ Amityville Music Hall
*Photo: Rich Ferri