Pulpería

Time has proven to be on The Knew’s side: After two ho-hum releases in 2007 and 2008, the Denver band has re-emerged with Pulpería, an excellent full-length that feels more realized than any of its previous work. The album benefits, too, from analog recording, a switch from digital as heard on earlier efforts; the tracks now have a fully fleshed-out sound that gives Pulpería a warm, human component. In particular, the sentimental “HLS” is filled with shimmering guitars that provides a dense backdrop for Jacob Hansen’s fuzzy Julian Casablancas-esque vocals.

But it’s not just the recording quality that’s improved. Each track has a renewed complexity and diversity of emotion, with tender and earnest tracks like “My Meridian” balancing out the frantic and catchy pop of “Still On Fire.” “Gretna” channels Nirvana’s “About A Girl,” opening with a grungy guitar riff that then delves into a heavy psychedelic jam. There’s a lot to hear on Pulpería. Tiny guitar nuances and cryptic lyrics pepper the album, rewarding listeners for multiple plays.

The Knew artfully pulls from a variety of Southern and modern rock influences, and though the guitar melody on “Citytown” sounds a little too much like The Strokes, it’s forgivable. The song is still undeniably catchy, and Pulpería ultimately a rich, enjoyable listen. The record owes some of its success to impeccable production, but even more to the evolution of The Knew as a band. All it took was a little time.