Knife Play

Knife Play is the debut studio album by Xiu Xiu, released on February 19, 2002.

Knife Play
Studio album by Xiu Xiu
Released	February 19, 2002
Genre	Art rock, experimental, post-punk
Length	43:14
Label	5 Rue Christine/Kill Rock Stars
Producer	Jamie Stewart
Xiu Xiu chronology
Knife Play (2002) Chapel of the Chimes (2002)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[1]
Pitchfork Media	(8.3/10)[2]
Tiny Mix Tapes	(4/5)[3]

Content

A sticker on the cover of the album reads "When my mom died I listened to Henry Cowell, Joy Division, Detroit techno, the Smiths, Takemitsu, Sabbath, Gamelan, 'Black Angels' and Cecil Taylor".[2][4] The title is a reference to knife play. Noted themes include familial dysfunction, violence and despair; "Hives Hives" references AIDS, and "Dr. Troll" is about a young transgender girl.[5]

Reception

Christopher Dare, writing for Pitchfork, though noting that "many who've bought the album for [the listed] influences aren't prepared for his tantrums", stated that the album "makes you reevaluate your opinion on what emotions music has the right to explore."[2]

Track listing

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Don Diasco"	2:54
2.	"I Broke Up (SJ)"	2:20
3.	"Luber"	4:02
4.	"Hives Hives"	3:42
5.	"Dr. Troll"	3:54
6.	"Over Over"	4:05
7.	"Anne Dong"	4:51
8.	"Suha"	4:57
9.	"Poe Poe"	3:40
10.	"Homonculus"	3:20
11.	"Tonite and Today (What Chu' Talkin' 'Bout)"	5:22

References

1. Morris, Kurt. Knife Play at AllMusic
2. "Xiu Xiu: Knife Play". Pitchfork.
3. "Music Review: Xiu Xiu - Knife Play". Tiny Mix Tapes.
4. "Xiu Xiu, Knife Play". The Morning News.
5. "Xiu Xiu Albums From Worst To Best". March 7, 2017.