Before stepping into the solo spotlight, Daniel Knutz was the driving force behind Brazil’s The Knutz, a post-punk and deathrock outfit he co-founded with his brother Tiago Abud. With three studio albums and two live records under their belt, The Knutz carved out a distinct presence in the scene, culminating in a Latin American tour in 2017. Their 2018 album, The Tower, was met with critical acclaim, marking a high point in their career. But rather than resting on his laurels, Knutz made a daring move—he left the familiar confines of Brazil and relocated to Berlin, where he, along with collaborator Ludmila Houben, birthed Discodrama, a project drenched in theatrical flair.
Now, Knutz is striking out on his own, channeling his artistic journey into a new, singular vision. His latest release, Like The Waves, is part of a series of monthly singles that sees him exploring the melancholic depths of human experience. With a croon that recalls Dave Gahan’s evocative delivery on Violator-era Depeche Mode, Knutz weaves a narrative steeped in nostalgia and regret. The song’s driving bassline, thick and brooding, pulses with the same dark energy that defined Medusa-era Clan of Xymox, while a dark, melodic synth line cuts through the mix like the animus air of the Season of the Witch. This combination creates an atmosphere that is both haunting and alluring.
Knutz’s rich and resonant baritone voice lingers on the fragility of time, delivering lyrics that reflect how quickly life’s moments can slip away, much like sand through fingers. The song’s imagery of sandcastles crumbling under the tide is a stark reminder of life’s impermanence. Like The Waves is a bittersweet ode to the fleeting beauty of our days, urging us to savor each moment before it’s inevitably swept away by the undertow of time.
Listen to Like The Waves below or stream it on Spotify.
In true DIY fashion, Daniel Knutz is an artist that has taken complete control of his solo career. From independently recording his music to directing his own visuals and releasing his work without the backing of a traditional label, Knutz is charting his own course—one that is as bold as it is personal.
Find Like the Waves and more on Daniel Knutz’s Bandcamp page.
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