released: november 28, 2025

gnre: electronic / experimental

from: london, uk

label: studio njoku

a few thoughts: this will go down as one of my favourite albums of the year, so i felt obliged to write a little something. tony njoku is a name i came across for the first time, last month, maybe? not sure how i spent all this time not knowing about the talented multi-instrumentalist and artist. combining r&b, electronic music, hip-hop and modern classical music, he has released something truly special with all our knives are always sharp. originally released as a 10-track album back in july of this year, the talented artist creates vast, groove-driven melodies and rhythms that meander between the dark and eerie, as well as powerful, uplifting and often string-led melodies that sound larger than life. the piano-led opener “weapon” sets the tone for the rest of the album, swelling synths and emotive vocals that are just gorgeous throughout. the bass-driven groove and beat on “catatonia” featuring james massiah is heavy and disorienting. the emotive and atmospheric “spirals” is just phenomenal, with driving drums and gorgeous strings that add this rich, cinematic quality to the music. the powerful synths and strings on “eternity” give the track a powerful, somber quality to it, while the piano-led “the slipstream” featuring ghostpoet is quite a highlight on the album. the live drumming, string melody, the vocals are all hypnotic, as ghostpoet’s inspiring verse makes for a powerful listen. “all our knives are always sharp” is a beautiful, string-led record featuring an incredible spoken piece by coby sey. “depleted” featuring tricky is another emotive moment on the album, as the trip-hop legend’s raspy vocals add colour to the track. the menacing beat on “spirit war dub” featuring gaika’s heavy and cool verse is a definite highlight on the album for me. “on the back of forgiveness” featuring space afrika is an emotive, drum-heavy piece, with bass-heavy grooves and synth-led melodies that feel warm and inviting. the synth-led “safety” featuring labi junior is just stunning, and a perfect way to close out and album. but there’s more! “surrender”, the first of the deluxe tracks, is hypnotic. saxophone leads and light percussion create the soundscapes of this vastly beautiful and tribal track. its energy is just utterly captivating and powerful. “pangea” featuring damsel elysium is another disorienting yet powerful moment, with banging synth leads and piercing vocals that add to the intensity of the track. the guitar and string arpeggios of “malaise” are incredible. the groove and beat of “frankophone” is just so infectious, as isaiah hull graces our ears with an eclectic verse. “o.t.b.o.f. (instrumental)” closes the album out with an immersive and gentle composition, with gorgeous piano and string-led pieces that are beautiful an truly hypnotic. all our knives are always sharp is a electrifying body of work, with compositions that are out of this world.

the album: