Kneecap - Fine Art ALBUM REVIEW

Listen: kneecap.bandca...
The Irish hip hop trio show a lot of promise and personality on Fine Art.
More rap reviews: • Hip Hop Reviews
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Subscribe: bit.ly/1pBqGCN
Patreon: / theneedledrop
Official site: theneedledrop.com
Twitter: / theneedledrop
Instagram: / afantano
TikTok: / theneedletok
TND Twitch: / theneedledrop
Team: Jeremy - Lead Edits / Anthony - Final Cuts / Austen - Proofing, Posting
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FAV TRACKS: FINE ART, I BHFIACHA LINNE, I'M FLUSH, BETTER WAY TO LIVE, SICK IN THE HEAD, HARROW ROAD, WAY TOO MUCH
LEAST FAV TRACK: LOVE MAKING
KNEECAP - FINE ART / 2024 / HEAVENLY / ALTERNATIVE HIP HOP
7/10
Y'all know this is just my opinion, right?

[@jamesburke2311]

Anything less than a 9 and yr a unionist slog

[@stevedomique9278]

Anthony loves the King pass it on (he's also censoring the comments lmao)

[@nizzla12]

No surrender

[@jamieoshea1681]

@@nizzla12then why did ye surrender ??

[@niallkelly2990]

​@@jamieoshea16816 counties still occupied

[@jamieoshea1681]

@@niallkelly2990 sinners in charger. Also today doesn’t mean you haven’t surrendered.

[@bigdingus5359]

Its actually mad seeing Kneecap reviewed by Fantano as an Irishman

[@philterskilter9165]

Lol it sure is bie

[@bollywoodoverhollywood8139]

WHY?! They’re the greatest! I’m Palestinian by the way 🇵🇸💚🇵🇸

[@mikkasschumacher8956]

its actually mad, never saw them making it to theneedledrop

[@conky420]

Honestly mad

[@andresirigoyen]

It's mad as an American

[@EoinDonnelly1]

As someone from Belfast I’m delighted to see Fantano reviewing this. Never thought it would ever reach his ears. Huge landmark moment for Irish rap

[@nickpro11]

Huge moment for gaeilge, too

[@ohnoitsdominoes5393]

In fairness to him, he did review the first Rejjie Snow album years ago but yeah, Irish language rap on the Melon’s radar is wild.

Fkn right

[@bigmanmccheez5342]

@@nickpro11 absolutely. This group and what they are doing in general is huge for the island.

[@nickpro11]

​​@@bigmanmccheez5342agreed. I'm from Ottawa, Canada, and learned Gaeilge because my carpentry master and my gran were both Irish, but seeing people in my city/in Canada who never would've been exposed to Gaeilge learning to speak it, especially people outside the diaspora, is stellar to see, especially considering how hard the Brits tried to eradicate the language KNEECAP ABÚ

[@eoinmiller5620]

The fact that album this didn't score a 32/1 should be a kneecappable offence

[@ralphtheboyralphie]

Got me good 😂

[@Jamboxxx]

26+6=1 / 10

[@ohnoitsdominoes5393]

Cal is a provo confirmed??? 😳

[@douglasmorrison]

cal chuchest(ra)

[@ciarankelly3726]

Something fun they do is mixing Irish and English in the same phrase to make rhymes come out better while preserving meaning. The drawback for international listeners is that no-one outside of Ireland will be able to understand what they're on about but I loved how they came out.

[@shakezist]

Literally 99% of Irish people can't understand them either. I speak some irish and struggle to. My mate is a gaeilgeoir, irish is his first language and he can't understand them either

[@daramckeagney793]

That dialect is a harsh mistress

[@NMahon]

​@shakezist my irish isn't amazing but I can get most of it tbh

[@madgeapple]

Plenty of universities around the world offer courses and degrees in the Irish language. You'd be surprised by the number of people outside of Ireland who are able to speak Irish.

[@murkartik]

we adapt. reggae had the same problem 50 years ago. we will upskill in response.

[@seanmcdonagh6237]

Tiocfaidh ár lá Tony

[@seosamhrosmuc]

Cloigeann turnip

[@williammulholland3314]

Quis seperate. KAT

[@FPSIreland2]

@@williammulholland3314bhuel ní muid ball den Sasanna ar aon chaoi

[@ronanodonnell8861]

Tioc-thony ár lá-tano

[@TrevorParsnips]

DJ Bod Mor is ainm dom, eist le mo cheol! Ta se iontach!

[@willob515]

"Kneecap is pretty opinionated" is the funniest understatement in the world

[@seanmcdonagh6237]

The singing in the first track is the lady from Lankum

[@conorfranc]

That's mad, I'm just on a Lankum binge 😂

[@seanmcdonagh6237]

@@conorfranc fill your boots, they’re epic

[@Twyfall]

@@conorfranc New live album out tomorrow!! Let's GO

[@MadailinBurnhope]

False Lankum was one of my favourite albums last year, and I think overall Lankum's best

[@seanmcdonagh6237]

@@MadailinBurnhope aye. They have 4 fantastic albums. V happy they’re getting the recognition they deserve

[@EannaWithAFada]

Fuair muid Anthony Fantano ag éisteacht le Rap-cheol as Gaeilge roimh GTA 6

[@roisindoherty2315]

Review CMAT next, Irish queen

[@evp180]

The only Irish Queen

[@EMMYK1916]

Well there's the original Queen Maeve like. ​@evp180

[@foxgirl1822]

shes awful

[@johnnyjr.b9015]

@@evp180really? You really said that?

[@johnnyjr.b9015]

This album is Irelands Doggystyle. Yup I said it. The biggest achievement of this band is making Irish cool and promoting it as mainstream. The album is solid and most importantly uncompromising.

[@elll2184]

Dead right

[@MNToThat]

Google Scary Eire

[@sonja7halcyon]

@@MNToThatRíRá !! Actually I noticed his song ‘What Goes On’ was the signature tune for RTE’s coverage of UEFA champions league this year.

[@limpa756]

anthony RAtano here

[@murkartik]

Comment of the Year

[@maryburke5423]

It’s just Irish, Anthony. Not Irish Gaelic. Solid review tho, and great to see Kneecap here.

[@jasonh7740]

No Mary. Internationally it's known as Irish Gaelic. To differentiate it from Scottish, Welsh, and french gaelic

[@maryburke5423]

@@jasonh7740 lol. Why would you need to differentiate it if you call it Irish.

[@jasonh7740]

​@@maryburke5423yeah you're right you don't need to. I was just saying that people do say that I just typed it a bit bluntly

[@jamielockdown]

@@jasonh7740 I only speak a bit of Irish Gaelic, my first language is English Germanic. I was also good at French Romance in school but I went to Brussels recently and found I've forgotten most of it. Lol. (Also Welsh isn't Gaelic. It's Brythonic, which is the other branch of Insular Celtic languages. As is Breton, which is what I assume you meant by "French Gaelic")

[@jami376]

​@@jasonh7740 Welsh people speak...Welsh. not Gaelic mate.

[@dazpatreg]

Antoine Ó Gaothairedathgréineó. You're going to have to remove the "tan" from your surname Anto Fano

[@phyllishundredfarts1345]

I know not everyone will understand the Irishicisation of his surname, but I just want to let you know I appreciate it 🇮🇪

[@hardfiled]

Kneecap and Bicep collab when

[@Redrice59]

That would go crazy 😂

[@Rookiereece]

Bicep wont lower themselves to that level 🤧

[@tcaporale4]

They should also collab with Elbow

[@Mouseology]

Before Spotify really understood where Kneecap fit within their algorithm, they kept trying to pair it with The Shins on playlists recommended to me.

[@matthewjames206]

Talking Heads, too 🍻

[@TonyTeflon123]

Saoirse Don Phalaistín 🇮🇪✊🇵🇸

[@TeaDrinker3000]

Maith an buachaill Anthony, maith an buachaill

[@baintreachas]

Have to say, I was NOT expecting this review in the first place, and I am pleasantly surprised by the rating!! If you’re ever ending up reviewing anything else of theirs, though, drop the “Gaelic” in “Irish Gaelic” or you will be getting the same complaint roughly 5 million times. (Don’t go for “Gaeilge,” you won’t be saying it right). You’re my new favourite yank!! GRMA

[@fettywapsmissingeye]

Tá fantano mo phoncán is fearr liom!

[@baintreachas]

@@fettywapsmissingeye tá tú ag déanamh dearmad ar an copail 😔 cheapaim go bhfuil sé “is é Fantano an poncán is fearr liom as seo amach”, nach bhfuil…? Nó rud éicint mar sin

[@fettywapsmissingeye]

@@baintreachas poncán = a yank!

[@baintreachas]

@@fettywapsmissingeye brón orm as an psychic damage from talking mar do mhúinteoir 😰 (agus mise useless leis an ngramadach i dteanga ar bith, i ndáiríre)

[@fettywapsmissingeye]

@@baintreachas 😂 tbf i don’t blame you. Irish teachers are shite! If it wasn’t for grinds outside of school i would’ve failed the JC

[@MadailinBurnhope]

I think anything "sexy" by Kneecap should be taken with a generous heap of irony lol they know they are nerds

[@ucom0574]

check yourself mate 😂😂

[@ollie902]

bit ironic

[@liam8854]

Fantano checking out an album as Gaeilge. What a time to be alive.

[@ponguso1]

Just a correction: thhe movie is a Biopic not a Documentary!

[@FlameDragon72]

I'm so glad you've reviewed this Anthony. Kneecap have been doing big things for 6 or 7 years on the Irish scene, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@RaittyRat]

I hear poor Mickey's still stittin' in his flat.

[@murkartik]

blame the doggies.

[@jeffbezos4776]

@@murkartik wee bastards left us nuhn but cans n rollies

[@pennymichaels7449]

As a person from Belfast was not expecting this review but excited to see this! Thanks Melon

[@Eringobragh2024]

Nobody asked

[@ryanmacfarland6893]

Still bizarre to me, that one of my childhood friends is famous now lol dj provai keep going lad 💪

[@marc8278]

An bhfuil Gaeilge agat ?

[@adamprotz]

Forgot to shout out your boy Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC featuring!

[@murkartik]

every album has a weak point.

[@seanodonoghue1830]

He truly does not care for Fontaines DC one bit

[@murkartik]

@@seanodonoghue1830 "I'm not angry, I'm just disappointed" was his reaction... they are a band for children who unfortunately never heard anything good and for red-jeaned 55 year olds clutching a Tower Records tote bag roaring about how they're actually the new Clash.

[@seanodonoghue116]

@@murkartikWhile I can respect your opinion, they’re one of the better live acts that exist at the moment, and, while relatively monotonal in their music for their first couple of albums, have clearly shown progression with their new singles. Your cynicism seems exhausting, and you clearly are not the target market. Let people enjoy things!

[@jackchance2980]

@@murkartiklmao you literally just made me yawn, first ever internet comment that’s done that 😂 impressive

[@ExtremeViper99]

As someone from Belfast i never thought melon would be covering Kneecap😂

[@user-bk3gn7wl1e]

The balaclava is only used for long Irish winter nights

[@asiannoddles]

This album's a 9 shut up Melon, I made my own opinion this time

[@ASAP_kingvampstan]

you can’t do that! what the heck!

[@destined2pog]

we could all be this brave...

[@jamieoshea1681]

Making your own opinion is not allowed

[@throwaway1743]

Wow, those Irish kids already dropped a whole project?!?! They sound like they've matured a lot!

[@murkartik]

They've been going for at least 6 years.

[@uouo1998]

@@murkartikwhoosh

[@KochiAvenue]

I shattered my kneecap last year on June 15th. No joke. It sucked. Much better now. Life is a blessing, maybe i should check this record out. Only got now to do it.

[@laylaruan]

Should've taken a trip to Belfast. The hospitals there are meant to be some of the best in the world for knee replacements and other knee surgeries, for morbid reasons

[@KochiAvenue]

@@laylaruan I luckily live in a state with the best surgical care in the US. When I get to shattering the other one I’ll check out Belfast though. Mix it up a bit.

[@laylaruan]

@@KochiAvenue You might even find the opportunity to get the other one smashed in Belfast lol, get the full experience

[@jeffbezos4776]

@@laylaruan altnagelvin is the best actually beal feirste has less kneecappings than doire

[@laylaruan]

@@jeffbezos4776 Good info for my own adventures in knee trauma

[@niamh4209]

Omg as someone who’s from not far where they are from and watching them since 2019 it’s crazy to see how much success they’ve had in this year alone putting west belfast on the map 🇮🇪

[@caolanjohnston2344]

Ní creidim seo FANTANO? KNEECAP? Mental

[@Sunglasses19991]

I heard about these guys on all things considered on NPR. It's pretty cool to see the Irish language be appreciated all around the world.

[@ohnoitsdominoes5393]

Love that absolutely wild sample on I bhFiacha Linne, the original song (808 State - Cübik) is somehow even more bonkers as that disgusting loop is supported by guitar solos throughout the track, a true Acid House classic

[@spicey_art]

It's also been used recently in Bob Vylan's track 'take that' which goes hard too! Didn't know the original until Fine Art came out and thought they were sampling Bob Vylan 😅

[@browner1873]

Glad you got on this, love from ireland

[@CinemaToastTrev]

I watched the movie Kneecap at Sundance and it was awesome! It made me deep dive into their music. I highly recommend checking them out, pretty cool group!

[@well1012]

Didn’t deep dive far enough so. Almost none of what happened on screen was real. Half of it happened to other people. And their rise in popularity literally stems from removing another popular act from the spotlight.

[@JS-gt6yh]

@@well1012dúirt sé “into their music”, ní dúirt sé “into their origin story”.

[@sussyamogussy4511]

I don't think it's happy you gave it only a 7/10, it looks angry

[@blinkb4ido]

hearing americans say "irish gaelic" instead of just irish or gaeilge gives me physical pain

[@sonja7halcyon]

Irish Gaelic as opposed to Welsh or Scots Gaelic…? Gaeilge is our word for Irish, Gaelic is a word for Celtic languages. We’re not the only Celts in Europe.

[@xænæx]

Ty for putting me on these guys! I gave them a listen and it just clicked naturally for me.

[@conorfranc]

Shoutout the guy who asked him to review this on the Rhyme Island video

[@JayKayEllEmm]

0:25 It’s not a documentary, it’s a auto-biopic with some exaggerated elements.

[@ASAP_kingvampstan]

If this was called (insert album here) you would given it (insert number here)

[@LittleOoozie]

W pfp

[@cbsawyerff]

Real

[@ryanmuhlenberg1480]

To Fine Irish Art or To Cap A Knee

[@Porcuspine360]

But he’s not reviewing another album, I don’t get it😢

[@nicholassimon1419]

Insert the word ‘have’ here

[@xonvaldez]

The movie Kneecap was NOT documentary. It was a fictionalization of their origin story.

[@guika6410]

Are those pringle chips on the cover???

[@ozika2]

bro think he mach hommy

[@IceglowQ]

I'd say it's taytos

[@guika6410]

@@ozika2 they sayin that im top one, more or less the best 🗣

[@wendydennis8357]

No.

[@user-ph3es2tt5o]

Better Way To Live was on repeat all winter, cannot wait to listen to the whole thing hell yeah

[@595EuroPerEye]

Yup Kneecap 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@Don_Dilla]

These lads are pure gents and they deserve the world ❤

[@AaronTheHipHopGuy]

phantom of the afters next

[@cross_c]

aaron is an irish hip hop enjoyer??

[@d.l.mhaoir.33]

Tá sin 10/10. Is breá liom Kneecap

[@thesoul2sqeeze]

​@Jacksswhave a day off lad

[@JS-gt6yh]

@@thesoul2sqeezetír gan teanga, tír gan anam

[@thesoul2sqeeze]

@@JS-gt6yh cheers bud 🤘

[@grimacebkfc]

my kneecaps hurt after some fine art if you know what im sayin

[@grimacebkfc]

im sorry

[@JaMorantBiggerArm]

Delete

[@zest3922]

Sounds gassy

[@jeffbezos4776]

i cant tell if this is a zoomer meme or an american who doesnt know what the fuck theyre talking abt

[@spicey_art]

My favourite album of this year hands down, love every second of it 👌👌

[@anfearaerach]

The spoken word is by Machan Magan, a well known writer and Irish speaker, the wind instruments were by the boys themselves as they are well versed in Irish trad themselves.

[@charliegaffney940]

NO WAY HE REVIEWED THIS

[@WarlordEnthusiast]

I cant believe you haven't reviewed "Ketamine" by versatile. Its one of the best Irish pop songs ever made.

[@JS-gt6yh]

Outburst walked so kneecap could run

[@michaelcollins3132]

Melon go bragh

[@glipgloppapi9959]

got into Kneecap after randomly watching their movie, best choice of my life fucking love them

[@Kolkio22]

maith an buachaill

[@debonaire_nerd]

If it was called…you know what guys. I don’t think I can do this anymore. Everyday, we make the same jokes, the same stupid recycled comments. What happened to our creativity? Are you comfortable with such mediocrity? I no longer think I am. I must leave this place for good. Farewell.

[@garysnyder4537]

Been waiting for a review ever since I saw the movie that premiered at Sundance earlier this year.

[@maxpogfrog]

If this was knee capping a butterfly, then you would have given it fine art or something idk this joke is overused.

[@galvanatthegrey5338]

Anthony, we need a worst to best for Melvins!

[@joshdent-vz6uk]

This is like seeing your cousin who lives in another country at a work event

[@godluckNgoodspeed]

Inter Arma review please! I don't know if you're still interested but the album came out a few weeks ago and they're one of my faves, I would love to hear your take on it.

[@JettIRL]

Thank you for covering this album

[@Jjz0289]

If the album was called "To Kneecap a Butterfly" you would of given it a 10 smh..........

[@ravs0067]

We're gonna get Why Lawd? eventually, Melon...

[@Stu_Pickles]

I’ve only listened to Why Lawd once sofar, and while it’s good, I think Yes Lawd is the better album. More interesting and varied beats, more dynamic Paak. Could just be I need to give it another listen or two to get used to the new sound, but sofar I’m feeling like a 6 on it myself

[@ravs0067]

@@Stu_Pickles Paak is at his most vulnerable (cuz of his recent divorce) in Why Lawd. While for you, Yes Lawd may have the better and interesting beats (I find them on par honestly), I find Why Lawd more emotional and impactful because of Paak's lyrics (Example of one of my favorites: "I guess I gotta face my fears, roll the windows down; I hope the rain hide my tears") and performance, and Knxwledge's beats serves Paak's writing with a very stripped down/minimalistic sound.

[@bengolious]

They should go on tour with Bicep and Elbow.

[@mattlord97]

What about FEET

[@thehearingaid]

Come on melon get your brits out.

[@doubledown9]

That’s fuckin wild so it is, never thought I’d see the day

[@CRAiCED.]

Yup the lads!! 🇮🇪

[@powerwiz]

the album deserves several re-listens. it's a solid 9 for me. genius production and lyrics.

[@joebrennan9758]

You can say just 'Irish' when talking about the language, no need to add 'Gaelic', that's the sport

[@JS-gt6yh]

What do you think Gaeilge translates to? Irish Gaelic is perfectly acceptable.

[@sonja7halcyon]

Irish Gaelic as opposed to Welsh or Scots Gaelic…? Gaeilge is our word for Irish, Gaelic is a word for Celtic languages and culture. We’re not the only Celts in Europe.

[@Binface]

I’m delighted to see this. Been watching for years and never thought id see something like this. Fair play Fantano!

[@hansvalen]

Uptheny RAntano here

[@bugjuno1485]

love kneecap so much

[@brianmccaul5205]

Really enjoying this album. It is a lot of fun. Some clever and funny lyrics, with tonnes of energy. Reminds me a bit of early work from The Streets. Check it out!!

[@john_hourihan]

I couldn't agree more. I don't love this album but can't get enough of KNEECAP

[@neonlemurs4865]

Tony is a Shinner :o

[@Passageofsky]

Kneecap review before Horslips, Rory Gallagher or Van Mor

[@morriford]

YUP da FantANTO!

[@EMursw]

Up Da Cal

[@trentonbeutler942]

still waiting for the RM album review🙏🏼

[@Dubhaltagh]

Bro just say Irish or Gaeilge hearing Americans call it Gaelic makes me wince

[@JS-gt6yh]

Irish Gaelic is perfectly acceptable, do you go around calling French Français? What do you think Gaeilge translates to?

[@xXKingEllisXx]

pissing myself that anthony 100% read my genius translations of the tracks to get more context hahahhaa

[@bradyfriesen9690]

This thing slapped

[@durrclips746]

Couldnt put a bit of the music in the review?

[@jackburton3540]

To All Trains review when?

[@FrozenCrisis]

I live minutes from that mural and it was very weird to see it here lol

[@SM-qe4wd]

@1:59 brilliant physical punchline lmao

[@marcinkabaj4571]

Actually it was not a documentary film, more of a biopic , but with band playing themselves.

[@CoreyTufts]

Love this album. Can’t wait to see them live.

[@andymcpandy2128]

So when do we get a Ren review???????

[@turnfourdiecast1501]

Please do a review when The Story So Far drops tomorrow

[@thedragonroot]

Unbelievable to see the lads getting reviewed by the melon.

[@MoeMa4]

Kneecap is 🔥🔥🔥

[@sarahportercomedy]

Sounds cool that ur reviewing Fine Art! GRMA!!! Is maith liom Kneecap!

[@john_hourihan]

I would have bet my life Fantano was going to shit on this project. Much respect for contextualizing something I struggle to share

[@owenmcmatthews6629]

26+6=1 TIOCFAIDH ÁR LÁ