KNUCKLE PUCK - 20/20
Instead of fretting about what’s to come, Knuckle Puck have taken it upon themselves to celebrate the moments that matter most with their latest album, 20/20.
One of Warped Tour and Slam Dunk’s best loved acts, Knuckle Puck bring some positivity back into a currently messed up world that only feels like it’s getting worse. With festivals and shows cancelled, the music industry and all staff involved have taken a huge hit. Despite the worrying concern for the future of music, Knuckle Puck have come back with newfound confidence with 20/20.“There’s so much to be angry about right now, and rather than contribute to it, we wanted to give people a reason to feel good. I want people to want to listen to this record”, explains guitarist Nick Casasanto.
Packed with more sentimental and subdued moments of their career and feelings of guilt from previous tours and the production behind Shapeshifter, Knuckle Puck pull together to not let this year get the better of them. Album titled track ‘20/20’ starts with what sounds like a melancholic version of the classic ‘Mr. Brightside’ riff before diving into a simultaneously depressing and uplifting verse and chorus about taking each day as it comes and still trying to live your life as best as you can as you won’t be here forever, as they put it “everything is temporary”.
From personal losses and hardships when putting together Shapeshifter, Knuckle Puck have put together something that they’re truly proud of. As Joe Taylor explains while dealing with the loss of a loved one, “For a while, I wouldn’t pay attention to our tours... I couldn’t wait to go home, and soon I woke up and three or four tours had gone by while I was on autopilot. This record is a reminder to shake yourself awake and take advantage of the time you have.”
‘RSVP’, one of the first singles from the album, echoes Copacetic’s punchy riffs and exaggerated vocals as the most energetic track on the album. Bursting with fury and upset, ‘RSVP’ is a big middle-up to ridiculous expectations and feeling unappreciated, with lyrics such as “If i’m telling the truth, I won’t miss you”. This would generate so much energy during a live show, when they return of course.
Featuring on the album is Mayday Parade’s Derek Sanders in ‘Breathe’ acts as a positive mantra for these hard times. A hearty fast tempo with cheesy major riffs work together to create that windows down, music up, feel-good track. Sander’s vocals are the perfect addition to any Knuckle Puck adding depth and texture to a fairly generic pop-punk track.
20/20 is Copacetic’s older brother. While adopting similar riffs and vocal styles, the themes and lyrics are taken from the wiser, bigger picture rather than from a closer perspective. Although many of the sounds are repetitive and expected, 20/20 has a stronger sense of unity and courage than previous material.
Fuelled by the need for human interaction and to look out for each other while not letting go of what connects and helps you has been the motive behind the record. And the message it gives out to others. Instead of fretting about what’s to come, Knuckle Puck have taken it upon themselves to celebrate the moments that matter most.
Rosie Chalk
★★★☆☆