Genre: Hardcore
Origin: Sweden
Released: 2009
Website: Restless Knights
Label: Eldsjäl
Uploaded: 02.02.10

I received both this 7” and the MCD I wish I was a terrorist at the same time, and just by looks of it I wouldn’t expect this pinkish package to contain contagious hardcore; it just looks too cheerful to sound so angry. Not really sure why they chose to release their material on two formats and two separate records, instead of putting it all on a single CD or a 10”, maybe (I mean, it was all recorded during the same session). But oh well, the vinyl looks great in its green splatterish form, so I don’t mind.
One shouldn’t judge Restless Knights by cheerful colours or by their pissed-off music, ‘cause lyrically they have a lot on their mind. The threat of a world collapse is seen through the eyes of men who’ve now grown up but refuse to settle down, and who still dare to dream of a better tomorrow. It’s definitely not easy, but it’s commendable to still have hope. It sounds as though this man was born to sing in a hardcore band, and he’s done nothing else his entire life. A hoarse and deep voice that sounds to contain a lot of wisdom and experience of hardships deliver these dreams and hopes, and the music matches the emotions to perfection.
The opener A quick fix will never do starts with a minute of instrumental build up before the tune really gets going. It’s a track that I can’t help but to nod along to, it has that particular catchy tempo and rocking guitar lines to draw you in, but it’s too mellow (if one can really refer to it as mellow) to really get the adrenaline going. But that’s quickly rendered with The best of wishes. It’s short, energetic and the faster of the three tracks here. Despite the fact that it’s under a minute long they still go through a fast section of moshing music and a very scream along friendly chorus. While I prefer faster tunes I have to admit that the best song is Daydreams desires and schemes (then what?); it’s oh-so-catchy, and it’s also the purest of punk tunes, reeking of old school. The melody running through in the chorus strikes deep inside, and I just have to sing along.
These four lads really know how to write versatile music that borrows influences from all over the hardcore and punk scene, and to some effect outside of it as well. It all comes together as a whole, and it sounds like Restless Knights. I’m not sure what acts inspired their sound, but I certainly love the end result of it. It’s just too damn short, and it’s over before you know it. A longer release next time, as long as they don’t compromise the quality of the music to get there.

Tracklist:
01. A quick fix will never do
02. The best of wishes
03. Daydreams desires and schemes (then what?)