Fine Art (Tri Colour Vinyl)

Kneecap’s second studio album, Fine Art, is a riotous display of mischief and mastery, proving the Belfast trio are far more than just chaos merchants. Released on 14 June 2024 via Heavenly Recordings, the record sees the group refine their fusion of hip-hop, techno, and razor-sharp social commentary, delivering a thrilling, unpredictable ride.

From the start, Fine Art carries an anarchic energy, its defiance laced with a knowing wink. The album features a stellar line-up of collaborators, including Radie Peat, Grian Chatten, Nino, and Jelani Blackman, each adding their own distinct flavour to Kneecap’s genre-bending sound. Tracks like I Bhfiacha Linne and Rhino Ket pulsate with raw, moody intensity, merging rap with club-ready beats, while Parful closes the record on a euphoric high – a house-inflected anthem that finds unity in late-night hedonism.

Lyrically, the album is as sharp as ever, balancing political bite with deadpan humour. Kneecap’s knack for storytelling and satire is in full force, making Fine Art both an exhilarating listen and a cutting reflection of modern Ireland. Critics took note, with the album earning a strong 79 on Metacritic. Mojo praised its ability to turn “everyday hedonism into an irresistible distillation of peacetime party music,” while The Skinny lauded it as “a banging collision of rap and rave.” Even when comparisons to acts like Ghetts, Stormzy, and The Streets arise, Kneecap’s identity remains unmistakable – subversive, bold, and brilliantly unpredictable.

The album’s impact extends beyond its initial reception, landing on several year-end lists, including NME’s 50 Best Albums of 2024 (No. 13) and The Sunday Times’ 25 Best Albums (No. 5). A record that thrives on contradictions – raucous yet thoughtful, brash yet intricate – Fine Art cements Kneecap’s place as one of the most vital and thrilling acts to emerge in recent years.