Wifeknife - "Blackout"

Brooklyn’s WifeKnife incubated at one of the borough’s finest institutions for live music: Our Wicked Lady. Their formation is intertwined with the space, as its members work and frequent the Bushwick neighbor staple. Drummer Keith Hamilton is a co-owner, vocalist Sarah Hamilton runs private events and social media, guitarist Ramsey Elliott is a bartender, bassist Marcello Ramirez is a barback, and guitarist Benny Oastler is a bonafide regular who you can see there on any given evening (plus, he’s helped with live streams and screening band for both their rooftop and main floor stages). 

After about a year of fine-tuning their sound, they officially shared their first two singles earlier this month, “Dead Ringer” and “Blackout.” As their titles suggest, these songs have some serious umph. Each is on the heavier side, with big, metal-inspired riffs and dark lyrical themes. Helmet feels like a solid reference point, as like them, they fall somewhere on the punk-metal spectrum, combining the fierce guitars of the latter with the attitude and sneer of the former. “Blackout,” in particular, starts with an ominous, echoing guitar line that feels straight out of a Sabbath song. The track builds up steadily, slowly gaining intensity as it progresses until it explodes in a barrage of ferocious vocals, pounding drums, and absolutely massive-sounding guitars.

Stream “Blackout” below!

You can also listen to WifeKnife’s music on your streaming platform of choice. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram.