Eraser (album)
Encyclopedia
Eraser is the second studio album
of American
alternative hip hop
duo The Knux
, released September 27, 2011, on Interscope Records
. The album was preceded by the release of two singles, the first being "She's So Up" followed by "Run" featuring Kid Cudi
. Much like their debut effort Remind Me in 3 Days...
(2008), the album's production was handled by The Kunx themselves, unlike their debut it included guest appearances from artists such as Natalia Kills
, Jack Davey, Blake Miller and Kid Cudi
.
who has handled production duties on Police
and Lady Gaga
albums.
In April 2011, in an interview with CoS
, brothers Krispy and Joey talked about how Eraser will reshape their image: "With this album, we want to take those preconceived notions and shatter and erase them," eldest brother Krispy says. "This albums sums up everything we want to do. To transcend where we are and to smash everything wide open and make the kind of record that has that big sound we have live. It’s had hitting as shit and we keep the mayhem going and keep it free-flowing." Despite that chaotic nature, Joey insists the album begins where the last album left off and deliver one cohesive message, stating, "Every song has its own story, so everything ties into each other." Krispy went on to describe the album as "Heavy, heavy; it’s sexy," Krispy insists. "Even those don’t that like certain rock bands like that sexiness of certain rock bands. This album’s got that ’70s feel, but its very modern and straight-forward."
s Music Blog, Matt Diehl called Eraser "one of 2011’s most startling, assured releases". He gave praise to the tracks "The Road (Intro)" and "Dead World" commenting, "From the lyrics to the sonics, the Knux here proves uncharacteristically brave amid its sheep-like peers: if anyone is to be heir to OutKast
’s maverick throne, these guys might already have the keys to the kingdom." Diehl also wrote "“Run,” featuring a memorable cameo from Kid Cudi amid Strokes-style barre chords, is as catchy a single as any released this year; still, even club bangers like the rave-tastic “I See Stars” lace hands-in-the-air melodicism with quizzical melancholy."
Gregory Heaney of Allmusic felt the duo's change in direction, was a move inspired by the Black Eyed Peas, stating "their sophomore effort takes the group's sound into more pop-oriented territories". He complimented the live instrumentation, saying "the album brings the duo’s sound more in line with their live performances". He concluded with "While this new direction will probably net the pair more radio play, it’ll definitely be a disappointment for anyone who came to the group through the far superior Remind Me in 3 Days."
.
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
of American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
alternative hip hop
Alternative hip hop
Alternative hip hop is a sub-genre of hip hop music. Allmusic defines it as follows: -Origin:...
duo The Knux
The Knux
The Knux are a American alternative hip hop duo composed of brothers Kentrell "Krispy" Lindsey and Alvin "Joey" Lindsey. Both brothers are musicians, who sing, rap, produce as well as play instruments. Their music contains elements of rock & electronic and pop...
, released September 27, 2011, on Interscope Records
Interscope Records
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:...
. The album was preceded by the release of two singles, the first being "She's So Up" followed by "Run" featuring Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi
Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi , better known by his stage name Kid Cudi , sometimes stylized KiD CuDi, is an American rapper, singer and actor. He first gained major attention after the release of his debut mixtape A Kid Named Cudi. In 2009, his single "Day 'n' Nite" reached the top five of the...
. Much like their debut effort Remind Me in 3 Days...
Remind Me in 3 Days...
Remind Me in 3 Days... is the debut album by alternative hip hop duo The Knux, released in 2008. The album reached #23 in the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart. The album received generally favorable reviews, earning a score of 71 at Metacritic....
(2008), the album's production was handled by The Kunx themselves, unlike their debut it included guest appearances from artists such as Natalia Kills
Natalia Kills
Natalia Keery-Fisher is an English singer-songwriter, actress, and short-film director who performs under the stage name Natalia Kills. She released her first single "Don't Play Nice" under the name Verbalicious in February 2005...
, Jack Davey, Blake Miller and Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi
Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi , better known by his stage name Kid Cudi , sometimes stylized KiD CuDi, is an American rapper, singer and actor. He first gained major attention after the release of his debut mixtape A Kid Named Cudi. In 2009, his single "Day 'n' Nite" reached the top five of the...
.
Background
After spending most of 2009 touring to promote their debut album (Remind Me in 3 Days), 2010 had The Knux back in the studio working on their Sophomore release. The album was initially to be released on June 21st, 2011 but was pushed back to September. They recorded the album with Robert OrtonRobert Orton (mix engineer)
Robert Orton is a Grammy award-winning mixer. He has worked with many prominent artists including; Darren Hayes, Lady Gaga, Sean Kingston, Kelis, Livvi Franc, Sean Paul, Robbie Williams, Pixie Lott, Lil Jon, Enrique Iglesias, Usher, Mary J...
who has handled production duties on Police
The Police
The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the vast majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting , Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland...
and Lady Gaga
Lady GaGa
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta , better known by her stage name Lady Gaga, is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in New York City, she primarily studied at the Convent of the Sacred Heart and briefly attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts before withdrawing to...
albums.
In April 2011, in an interview with CoS
Consequence of Sound
Consequence of Sound, also known often as CoS, is a Chicago-based music website featuring news, album and concert reviews, and editorials. In addition, the website also features the Festival Outlook micro-site, which serves as an on-line database for music festival news and rumors...
, brothers Krispy and Joey talked about how Eraser will reshape their image: "With this album, we want to take those preconceived notions and shatter and erase them," eldest brother Krispy says. "This albums sums up everything we want to do. To transcend where we are and to smash everything wide open and make the kind of record that has that big sound we have live. It’s had hitting as shit and we keep the mayhem going and keep it free-flowing." Despite that chaotic nature, Joey insists the album begins where the last album left off and deliver one cohesive message, stating, "Every song has its own story, so everything ties into each other." Krispy went on to describe the album as "Heavy, heavy; it’s sexy," Krispy insists. "Even those don’t that like certain rock bands like that sexiness of certain rock bands. This album’s got that ’70s feel, but its very modern and straight-forward."
Critical reception
In his review for the Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
s Music Blog, Matt Diehl called Eraser "one of 2011’s most startling, assured releases". He gave praise to the tracks "The Road (Intro)" and "Dead World" commenting, "From the lyrics to the sonics, the Knux here proves uncharacteristically brave amid its sheep-like peers: if anyone is to be heir to OutKast
OutKast
Outkast is an American hip hop duo based in East Point, Georgia, consisting of Atlanta native André "André 3000" Benjamin and Savannah, Georgia-born Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. They were originally known as Two Shades Deep but later changed the group's name to OutKast...
’s maverick throne, these guys might already have the keys to the kingdom." Diehl also wrote "“Run,” featuring a memorable cameo from Kid Cudi amid Strokes-style barre chords, is as catchy a single as any released this year; still, even club bangers like the rave-tastic “I See Stars” lace hands-in-the-air melodicism with quizzical melancholy."
Gregory Heaney of Allmusic felt the duo's change in direction, was a move inspired by the Black Eyed Peas, stating "their sophomore effort takes the group's sound into more pop-oriented territories". He complimented the live instrumentation, saying "the album brings the duo’s sound more in line with their live performances". He concluded with "While this new direction will probably net the pair more radio play, it’ll definitely be a disappointment for anyone who came to the group through the far superior Remind Me in 3 Days."
Track listing
Track listing confirmed via iTunes StoreITunes Store
The iTunes Store is a software-based online digital media store operated by Apple. Opening as the iTunes Music Store on April 28, 2003, with over 200,000 items to purchase, it is, as of April 2008, the number-one music vendor in the United States...
.