That’s exactly what The Rolling People have brought with “Edge of the Knife.” Released through the always-impressive LAB Records, this kicks down the door and adds a very bold new chapter. Starting with the wrenching punch of the guitars, “Edge of the Knife” thrums with tension.
There’s something beautifully reckless about it, like standing too close to danger and loving every minute of it. It’s lean, urgent, and totally unapologetic, radiating the sort of unvarnished energy that doesn’t ring a bell to wait for acceptance, but forges ahead. But the thing that lifts this one out of that pile is the clarity of vision behind it. This is not a band flailing for identity.
The Rolling People are aware of themselves, and with “Edge of the Knife,” they double down. Vocals vacillate between vulnerability and grit over instrumentals that walk the line between classic indie-rock swagger and a more modern, cinematic punch. And with this release timed perfectly to heat up a scintillating summer run (which includes a spot at Truck and the fresh afterglow of a sold-out hometown blowout at The Ritz Manchester, that timing doesn’t get much better. It’s a song built for audiences, for sticky tents, for bellowed lyrics or raised hands. But it’s still a personal record, a secret whispered at the top of the storyteller’s voice.
If “Edge of the Knife” is any indication of what The Rolling People has in store next, they've staked their claim. And with the support of LAB Records, a burgeoning live pedigree, and this track, which doesn’t pull its punches, they’re showing they’ve got the edge and the nerve to make use of it.
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