“Knew School” by Knowmads (2016)

I’m bringing something just a little bit more recent than my last post on Poor Righteous Teachers while going all the way across the country to Seattle at the same time. (Un)fortunately, I have the algorithm to thank for this find a few years ago but those things work in mysterious ways and at that time it gifted me a gem. As a traveler (and lover of knowledge myself) I am sort of mad that I didn’t come up with such a brilliant name as “Knowmads” but I’m also glad they did. They would be Tom Pepe, Tom Wilson and Jester who formed Knowmads all the way back in 2006. They were only in high school when they first started making music.

They have amassed quite a discography since then, but “Knew School” is my favorite. It feels like a concept album with a lot of references and memories going back to those wild high school days when we didn’t know that we really had less problems paired with a healthy number of freedoms. This by no means defines the music, though. I believe the first track “Elementary” really makes the album hit the ground running from a lyrical point of view and it only continues from there. I like that they added some variety with the tracks instead of going bar after bar and include songs like “Smoker’s Corner”, “In the Hallway” and “Memories” which offer a more melodic and themed break to their rhymes. I think their song choice makes the album a smooth listen all the way through.

It’s not all about themes or song choice though as I believe that their rhymes really hold up the whole way through. I find them pretty solid, well-placed, original and presented soundly. They both hold a great flow which has some variation throughout the album but ultimately stays on and that’s something I can really appreciate too. They definitely incorporate a very conscious style which is filled with messages and subtleties to give the project a positive feel whether it’s from nostalgia, making good changes in life, or just stoked to still be around. It’s not easy to find a whole lot of information on Knowmads so share your thoughts and if you haven’t listened to “Knew School” then check it out!