They made themselves known to the world at large as the FM Knives, but this Sacto quartet may as well have been named the Heartbreakers because thats exactly what they did to moi, and virtually ever fan who was awaiting a followup album to 2002s Useless & Modern. Their only proper full length, Useless... was a dizzying and deliriously intoxicating merger of the Buzzcocks by way of hi-octane, American indie punk not dissimilar to the likes of the Didjits.
For whatever the reason, a second FM LP simply wasnt in the cards and little was heard from the fellows since, but before vanishing the band found a day or two in 2002 and 03 to lay down a few more songs for a couple of ace short-stack releases. The Estrogen ep delivered more of U&Ms souped-up, melodic moxie, wielding instant charmers "Just Like William Tell" and the title track. 2003s "Keith Levine" 45 found the knives curtailing their blistering tempos half a notch, still flagrantly bowing at the alter of Shelly/Devoto/Diggle, making yet another convincing argument for sticking around a few more years. Twas not to be, but the FM Knives had a keen influence on the Marked Men. Rumor has it the Knives reformed for some concerts this year.
Years ago a few unreleased Knives surfaced online (possibly from the Keith Levine sessions), and Im supplementing them as a bonus in this download.
Estrogen ep (2002, Smartguy) 01. Estrogen 02. Cant Afford You Now 03. Just like William Tell 04. Cassavettes vs. the Moneygoround
Keith Levine 7" (2003, Dirtnap) A. Keith Levine B. Valentine
presumably unreleased Secret of My Success Penicillin 1988 Men With Style Terrified Two Swords (English Beat cover)