My Pet Rhino – Knots (2025)

Self-described as “our music, our way, no compromises…”, Australia-based My Pet Rhino is as commanding, demanding, and set to inspire with no two songs sounding the same – or at least, not entirely the same. The brainchild of singer-songwriter Jon Maratheftis, My Pet Rhino is like that wild rhino strutting in the blazing sun with a “don’t mess with me” attitude. The latest addition to the critically acclaimed discography is the single ‘Knots’.

Taken from their well-received debut album, Arrows – a thirteen-track album removing the definition of genre, blazing sonic colours of all sorts – ‘Knots’ saunters through the realms of indie-rock with an alternative-rock sheen clinging to the single. Self-recorded and produced, ‘Knots’ showcases the sophistication of Maratheftis’ skilled production; however, that being said, there is a rawness to the single, giving it a somewhat unfiltered naivety within the elegant maturity.

Teetering the line between simplicity and complexity in its melody, ‘Knots’ doesn’t necessarily overdo anything, but simultaneously has a kaleidoscopic perplexity in its arrangement. Mark Spiteri’s bold drums stomp across the track like a rhino stomping across the Savannah. Its punchiness hits you in the chest with each beat, almost overpowering all other elements. Yet, as much as Spiteri takes the fore, the harmonic twinkling of Maratheftis’ guitar, bass, percussion and shimmering glockenspiel eases the bruises from the stomp.

Melodically, ‘Knots’ is intense with Leanne ‘LeeLoo’ Greenman’s vocals sticking in your head; however, it is the lyricism and theme that seem to add weightiness. Maratheftis explains:

“I based the lyrics on experiences I have had of being in a position to achieve something, only to fail at the final hurdle… It was intended to be a reminder to do better next time – it didn’t work, but at least I got a good song out of it!”

In addition to the single, My Pet Rhino released an official music video for ‘Knots’. You can view the video below and/or on their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.

Find out more about My Pet Rhino on their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

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