Crash Of Rhinos was a band based out of Derby, UK. The record “Knots” was released in North America on July 22, 2013 by Topshelf Records. Crash Of Rhinos consists of “Five voices, two guitars, two basses, and a drum kit.”

I was expecting big things from “Knots,” considering I didn’t take “Distal” off my table for weeks, and it delivered. The recording didn’t have the same rawness as “Distal” but the higher production quality on “Knots” added a new layer of depth to the instruments. Even though the mix is not a raw a “Distal,” the lyrics sure are. Crash Of Rhinos brings back their emotional lyrics that continuously find a way to put a knot in your stomach. Lyrically, Crash Of Rhinos is an “emo” band at heart, but musically I would classify them as math rock influenced post-hardcore. This is a record that gets better with age, each listen you hear new sounds while something different finds a way to emerge from the crowded darkness and shine.

I unfortunately missed out on two really good looking presses (White w/ Black Splatter and Black/White), especially since this record will be their last release. Each label had a special copy they released. My press is an old faithful “Black,” that all three labels released. The record comes in a double gatefold layout. Perfect artwork to tie everything together from “Alongbirdalley.” (http://www.alongbirdalley.co.uk/)

The following quotation comes from Crash Of Rhinos Facebook page:

CRASH OF RHINOS: 2009 – 2014

It is with regret we have to tell you all that Crash is no more. We’ve had some incredible times. Some of the best times, met some of the best people, played with some of the best bands. Thank you to anyone who bought Distal and/or Knots, shared them, came to see us live, bought a shirt, or gave us a place to stay. You’re the people that really made it work whilst it worked.

Extra special thanks to Luca Benni, Kevin Douch, Kevin Duquette and Seth Decoteau and Maurizio Borgna at To Lose La Track, Big Scary Monsters, Topshelf Records and T R I S T E for getting our late night jams out to people we never thought would hear us. The repress of Knots is currently available through these fine people.

So long.

Jim, Oli, Biff, Draper & Beal

I wish I could have seen these guys live. Thanks for the great music. Listen to Crash Of Rhinos: http://crashofrhinos.bandcamp.com/