Over atmospheric instrumentation expanded by cinematic structure and pacing, Pearlty presents Knifeplay somewhere between dream-pop influenced shoegaze and lofty slowcore, never fully committing to one or the other in its insistence on creating an immersive, organic world. Originally released in 2019, Knifeplay’s vivid debut Pearlty documents songwriter Tj Strohmer’s expressions of early adulthood in what he describes as “the journey from innocence to experience.” Written during a time of immense inspiration, Strohmer was able to peel himself away from detached nihilism, uncovering the physicality and therapeutic powers of songwriting. Newly emboldened by this discovery and the talented community surrounding him, Strohmer channeled this revelation into his work, taking Knifeplay from a bedroom experiment that merely wrote songs to a more substantial project with a purpose. Pearlty’s various climactic passages, like those heard on the impressionist album opener “Tears”, envelop listeners in textured walls of distorted guitar and noisy breakdowns, a distinct hallmark of shoegaze – but Knifeplay’s compositions go far beyond such conventions. Also featured are downtempo compositions – such as the tribute track “Angel” – that call on a range of influences, from grunge to lofi pop, all the way back to slowcore. Layers of Strohmer’s falsetto lilt adorn the songs with another dimension of sentimentality, while rounding out the sonic vastness of the group’s emotionally enrapturing style, lending impressive depth to the band’s debut full-length.
Release date:
March 15, 2024
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
-
Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Marc Amacher Load
Hoboville Records
July 11, 2025 -
Bad Suns Accelerator
Epitaph
August 8, 2025 -
Between The Buried And Me The Blue Nowhere [4xLP]
Inside Out Music
September 12, 2025 -
Jessie Murph Sex Hysteria
Columbia Records Group
July 18, 2025 -
The Cold Stares The Southern Part 2
Deko Music
July 18, 2025 -
Various Artists Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical [2xLP]
Universal UK
July 18, 2025 -
Jack Garratt Pillars (Marbled Grass)
Cooking Vinyl
August 15, 2025 -
Richard Hawley Coles Corner: 20th Anniversary (Half-Speed Mastered; Zoetrope Picture Disc)
Parlophone Int'l
August 8, 2025 -
Kaiser Chiefs Employment 20: China Anniversary Edition [2xLP]
Universal UK
July 25, 2025 -
Ruston Kelly Pale, Through the Window (Deco Green; Signed Insert)
Rounder
September 12, 2025 -
Alison Goldfrapp Flux (Yellow)
A.G. Records Ltd.
August 15, 2025 -
Superchunk Songs In The Key Of Yikes
Merge Records
August 22, 2025 -
Strange Boutique Let The Lonely Heart Sing (Transparent Marbled Turquoise & Black)
The Circle Music
August 8, 2025 -
The Band CAMINO NeverAlways
Atlantic
July 25, 2025