Picture this: you're scrolling through your feed, craving something fresh, something that hits with raw energy and a message that sticks. Then, boom—KNARS’ latest track, Don’t Believe Everything They Say, drops like a sonic Molotov cocktail. This Dutch electronic maverick is back with a gritty, bass-heavy anthem that’s equal parts dancefloor destroyer and protest rallying cry. Released on June 13, 2025, as the title track from his new album, this Future Garage gem blends UK Garage roots with punk attitude and a sharp critique of today’s world. Let’s dive into why this track—and KNARS himself—is worth your attention.
A Sonic Rebellion with a Garage Heart
Don’t Believe Everything They Say is a masterclass in blending genres while keeping things real. KNARS, aka Martijn Holtslag, channels the rebellious spirit of early rave culture, pirate radio, and post-dubstep into a track that feels like Burial meets The Prodigy with a dash of The Streets’ storytelling. The song kicks off with skippy 2-step drums that pull you in, layered with glitchy synths and chopped-up vocal samples that give it a restless, almost chaotic edge. There’s a bittersweet topline that’s catchy enough to hum along to but laced with a frustration that makes you feel the message.
What makes this track stand out is its duality—it’s built for the club but carries a weightier purpose. KNARS doesn’t just want you to dance; he wants you to think. “This track comes from a deep frustration with how society operates,” he says. “We’re being shaped into consumers, into obedient little gears in someone else’s profit machine.” The lyrics hit like a punk manifesto, urging you to question the narratives fed to us daily. It’s not preachy, though—it’s got that raw, human edge that makes you nod along while the bass rattles your bones.
Musically, the production is razor-sharp. The distorted edits and percussive swing give it a gritty texture, while the hypnotic vocal chops keep you locked in. It’s the kind of track that could soundtrack a late-night drive through a neon-lit city or a protest march in equal measure. If you’re into artists like Burial, Overmono, or even older acts like The Prodigy, this one’s going to hit all the right spots.
Who Is KNARS? A Dutch Maverick with a Mission
For those new to KNARS, Martijn Holtslag is no stranger to making waves. Hailing from the Netherlands, this lyricist, producer, and filmmaker has been smashing boundaries since 2017. His early videos like Bad Trip and Fuckup racked up hundreds of thousands of views, earning him a cult following in the underground scene. He’s played festivals like ADE and Paaspop, toured across Europe, and even landed a track in the Borderlands 3 trailer, which pulled in over 5 million views. Oh, and did I mention his song in a Netflix movie? Yeah, KNARS is that guy.
What sets KNARS apart is his ability to weave philosophy, spirituality, and a fierce sense of justice into his music. His work is a turbulent cocktail of aggressive synths, fierce vocals, and unapologetic energy. Take his 2019 single Fuckup—after being attacked in public, Martijn turned his pain into art, filming the music video with his injuries front and center as a defiant middle finger to hate. That’s the kind of raw, unfiltered honesty you get with KNARS.
The new album, Don’t Believe Everything They Say, is his most introspective and explicit work yet. Spanning tracks from 2022 to 2025, it traces his evolution through genres like Halftime, Neurofunk, and Future Garage, all tied together by his signature lyrical depth. It’s not just music—it’s a mirror to a fractured world, channeling frustration and resistance without losing its groove.
Why This Matters in 2025
Future Garage and UK Garage have been making a comeback lately, riding a wave of nostalgia for early 2000s sounds while pushing into new territory. KNARS taps into this perfectly, blending the genre’s signature skippy rhythms with a modern, protest-driven edge. In a world where misinformation and consumerism dominate headlines, tracks like this feel more relevant than ever. It’s not just about vibes—it’s about pushing back, questioning the status quo, and finding solace in the chaos.
The music industry in 2025 is also seeing a surge in independent artists taking control of their careers, and KNARS is a prime example. He’s proof that you don’t need a major label to make noise—you just need a vision and the guts to follow it. For aspiring artists, platforms like DistroKid make it easier than ever to get your music out there. Want to follow in KNARS’ footsteps? DistroKid lets you distribute your tracks to major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music while keeping more of your earnings. Plus, you can snag a 7% discount on your membership with this link: https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328. It’s a no-brainer for getting your music to the masses.
Final Thoughts: Join the KNARS Revolution
Don’t Believe Everything They Say is more than a track—it’s a wake-up call wrapped in a bass-heavy banger. KNARS has crafted something that’s as thought-provoking as it is danceable, proving he’s one of the most exciting voices in electronic music today. Whether you’re here for the glitchy Future Garage vibes, the punk-infused rebellion, or the raw honesty, this track delivers on all fronts.
So, what do you think of KNARS’ sound? Is this the kind of music that gets you moving and thinking? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what you make of this one. And if you’re an artist ready to share your own voice, check out DistroKid’s deal at https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328 to kickstart your journey. Let’s keep the underground alive!
