Yes, it sounds cocky to call your band Young Knives, and the British trio’s caffeinated, smart-ass guitar pop only underscores that aura of snarky confidence. Listen more closely, however, and an edge of raging despair comes through loud and clear. Giddy frontman Henry Dartnall constantly seems to be on the verge of a panic attack when he reflects on consumerism (“Terra Firma”), suicide (“Counters”), and pointless revelry (“Up All Night”). “Turn Tail” captures the Knives at their sneaky best, setting the breakdown of society to a killer chorus worthy of a stadium singalong.
