HISTORY

Released in 2022, HISTORY represents a culminating moment for the NYC-based duo The Knocks (Ben Ruttner and James Patterson). While their previous work established them as leaders in the indie-dance and nu-disco space, this 21-track collection (including a significant remix suite) serves as a broad survey of their sonic evolution. The album is notable for its high-profile collaborations, featuring artists like Dragonette, Foster The People, and MUNA, which helps bridge the gap between underground dance music and mainstream pop. Sonically, the record leans heavily into analog synthesizer textures and live-sounding percussion, moving away from the more aggressive EDM trends of the previous decade in favor of a smoother, more organic disco-house hybrid. Critically, it was received as a sophisticated expansion of their 'rooftop pop' brand, praised for its craftsmanship and its ability to evoke a sense of place and time. The inclusion of seven remixes at the end of the digital release emphasizes the duo's roots in DJ culture, effectively turning the album into a self-contained night out.