KNUCKLE PUCK - LOSING WHAT WE LOVE
Chicago's own Knuckle Puck have become a standout in the punk rock scene. Their heartfelt lyrics, energetic instrumentals, and relatable themes connect with fans worldwide. The band, led by Joe Taylor, alongside Kevin Maida, Nick Casasanto, Ryan Rumchaks, and John Siorek, seamlessly blend aggression and melodic hooks; albums like Copacetic and Shapeshifter showcase their talent and ability to create emotionally charged anthems.
Having released their debut EP, The Weight That You Buried, in 2013, the band garnered attention for their raw emotion and relatable themes which all laid the foundation for their subsequent success. In 2015, they released their first full-length album, Copacetic, which received widespread acclaim within the pop-punk community and showcased their growth as songwriters and musicians allowing them to build a strong and passionate fanbase with their live performances and music highlighting struggles through daily life which listeners can confide in. This is no exception with their latest release, Losing What We Love.
Starting with ‘A New Beginning,’ the upbeat tunes the band has been known for ring out before the vocals begin. Touching on the feeling of being chased by the things that are holding you back while trying to get out and become a better person.
‘You & I’ brings a slightly softer beat compared to that of the rest of the album. Speaking on realizing the toxicity of a person in the past, the track shows the complexity of realizing the truth behind the facade and calling them out while at the same time continuing to try to be the bigger person.
The album’s title track rings out with the line “Who do we become when we lose what we love?” with the realization of being lost. Realizing there’s no way to turn back, only to grow from the experiences shared between oneself and those around them. The feeling of being stuck and wondering how to come out of the situation at hand.
‘Out of Touch’ brings a nostalgic feel to the rest of the album. Upon first listen, it’s easy to see musical influences that could be felt in the late thousands to early 2020s. The instrumentals and vocals alike help to portray the message of realizing the world around you isn’t just as it seems and maybe even wanting to go back to your younger years when everything was simpler, and things didn’t seem so complex and hopeless.
As the album comes to a close, the message of growing and coming out of a helpless state despite all odds becomes evident. The feeling of falling into what feels like an endless cycle until eventually finding a light at the end of the tunnel and pushing to reach that resolution in hopes of feeling at home again in oneself. The realization that the world isn’t as it seems isn’t one that comes easy and this record helps personify that feeling of doubt and realizing that things around you need to change in order to live a happier life.
Niki Davidson
★★★★☆