Fans who managed to catch The Knife in concert this past spring will be familiar with the shrieks and aerobically intense performance of siblings Karin and Olof Dreijer. The Swedish electronic pop band's ecstatic live shows were packed with performers dressed in colorful, shiny jumpsuits dancing and gyrating to intricately choreographed moves. But for those unable to bask in the glory of those shows of the band's final tour, The Knife offered up a final gift, the mini-album Shaken Up Versions.
The Knife doesn’t bother with euphemisms; Shaken Up Versions is exactly what it sounds like, collecting eight songs specifically reconstructed for those live performances during its Shaking The Habitual tour in 2013 and 2014. And while it’s been out digitally since June, the record gets a physical release on Dec. 9 via Mute Records.
Musically, it’s a fractured, caustic album that shifts dramatically from deep grooves to cacophony. Still, The Knife consistently maintains its signature soundscapes with tracks like “We Share Our Mother’s Health,” which ushers in the album with clapping and earth-shaking beats. Dreijer's original trembling vocals are embellished with synth-driven melodies, mixing in abrasive Caribbean-infused techno punk.
Dizzying and disorienting moments in this album can become monotonous and heavy, like in “Bird,” where the song's original components are occasionally lost. And while the erratic choreography present in the live performances doesn't exactly translate out of context with a pure listening experience, the energy is still felt in hectic rhythmic ideas and colorful sonic concepts.
The most refreshing moments of the album come courtesy of Light Asylum’s Shannon Funches, whose smokey vocals shine amid tiny synth interjections, a steady club beat and, eventually, a gracefully floating steel drum melody. Also featured on “Stay Out Here,” Funchess maintains the delicate nature of the songs amidst a sea of layers.
Shaken Up Versions is a jarring album, yet it communicates a chaotic last credence for The Knife. Even when walking away from listeners, The Knife makes certain that this last album gives fans a deep understanding of it's uncompromising and brilliant sonic journey.