Artist to Watch: Five Knives

Last year when Five Knives emerged on the Nashville scene with their electro-inspired punk rock, it was an instant connection for the wannabe club kid inside me. The pounding synth beats and attitude-dripping lyrics – delivered effortlessly by frontwoman Anna Worstell – had me hooked.

A year of free music, introducing their fresh sound, on the band’s website filled my car, iPod and home speakers. It wasn’t long before the four (not five) rockers were playing all over town and one of the buzziest new bands to hit the music scene. Their energetic live show takes the whole package to the next level with Worstell fearlessly leading the pack, which includes Nathan Barlowe (formerly of Luna Halo), Zach Hall and Shane Wise. Moving from one pumped up track to another, their performance never disappoints and, when the Gwen Stefani-inspired lead singer delivers the lyric “we are the future!” from the similarly titled track, it’s not hard to see why the entire venue immediately trusts her.

It was no surprise that by 2012’s end, Five Knives had inked a deal with Red Bull Records and landed a spot on top of my “Artists to Watch” list for 2013. Before the ink had time to dry on their deal, the first four EP’s disappeared from their site – now only in the hands of their most diehard fans – to be replaced with a full length LP this summer.

This week the band’s first (official) EP dropped, featuring five (fancy that) of their catchiest tunes, which you can grab below for free! Videos accompanying the singles will be released over the next few months leading to their full length debut and a summer slot on the Van’s Warped Tour. This is only the beginning of the Five Knives journey and V for Vetrano (Note: If you don’t know by now, that’s me. Hi! Now pay attention.) will be bringing you along for the exciting ride. Check back for more from the year’s “it” band soon.