Goldfinger ‘The Knife’

Words by Nick Hodgins

Goldfinger have released their seventh studio album, The Knife, and with it John Feldmann is able to show off his incredible writing skills on a record of his own for the first time in nearly a decade.

Feldmann has kept busy since the band’s last release in 2008, producing and writing on nearly every relevant album of the past 10 years from Blink 182 to Beartooth, All Time Low, 5 Seconds of Summer, 311 and countless others.

The record is packed full of talent, with Feldmann on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Phil Sneed of Story of the Year on lead guitar and harmonies, Mike Herrera of MXPX on bass and harmonies, and Travis Barker on drums.

While the lineup has changed over the years, Feldmann ultimately finds himself back where it all started with the release of The Knife. The rock-ska-pop-punk group known as Goldfinger formed in 1994 out of LA, California and has six other albums under their belt, this one has been nine years in the making.

The Knife stands to be one of the strongest releases of their discography and shares all the overlaying themes that make Goldfinger sound like Goldfinger; upbeat verses ranging from reggae to punk rock, catchy choruses, harmonies and a brass section still going stronger than ever in 2017.

The title track “Put the Knife Away” is a fast-paced guitar driven song with a chorus guaranteed to stick in your head after just one listen. Following that is the more mellow “Don’t Let Me Go” which features an awesome horns solo, which really showcases the band’s range.

The album features contributions on drums from Josh Dun of Twenty One Pilots and guest vocals from Mark Hoppus of Blink 182 and Nick Hexum of 311, and it was produced by Zakk Cervini, who recently mixed Blink’s latest release, California.

The Knife holds it’s own against past Goldfinger records including fan favorites such as their self-titled debut and Hang Ups. With all the incredible albums Feldmann has worked on over the years, it’s a treat to hear his efforts and influences come to fruition on The Knife.