Knuckle Puck
Knuckle Puck is an American rock band, formed in 2010 in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. The band's name comes from the "knucklepuck" shot in ice hockey, which was popularized by the 1994 film D2: The Mighty Ducks.
Knuckle Puck
2010–present
- Pure Noise
- Wax Bodega
- Bad Timing
- Rise
- Joe Taylor
- Kevin Maida
- John Siorek
- Nick Casasanto
- Ryan Rumchaks
The group has released several EPs, one of which, While I Stay Secluded (2014), peaked at number 5 on the Heatseekers Albums chart. The same year, they also released a split EP with UK band, Neck Deep. Knuckle Puck signed to Rise in 2014 and released their debut album, Copacetic, through the label in 2015. From there, they'd release their second studio album, Shapeshifter (2017), and their third, 20/20 (2020).
In 2022 they signed to Pure Noise Records and dropped their lead single "Groundhog Day." This would be the first song released off their fourth studio album, Losing What We Love (2023).
History[edit]
Formation and early releases (2010–2014)[edit]
Knuckle Puck started out covering songs in fall 2010[1] in the outskirts of Chicago.[2] The band got its name from a Stick to Your Guns t-shirt that said "Knuckle Puck Crew".[3] The band consisted of lead vocalist Joe Taylor, lead guitarist Kevin Maida, and drummer John Siorek.[1] The group started writing original songs in April 2011 with the addition of rhythm guitarist Nick Casasanto.[1] The group had friends fill in on bass.[1] In July, the band played its first ever show.[4] In October, the band released a self-titled EP,[1] this was followed up by the Acoustics EP in March 2012.[5] In October, the band released the Don't Come Home EP.[6] The band co-headlined a tour with Seaway from late May to early June 2013.[7] In August, the band self-released The Weight That You Buried EP.[8] In February 2014 Bad Timing and Hopeless[9] released a split EP that featured two songs each from Knuckle Puck and Neck Deep.[10] Both bands toured together (alongside Light Years) from late February to early April.[10] On March 16, the band performed at South by So What?! festival.[11] In spring, the band gained bassist Ryan Rumchaks.[1] Between May and June, the band supported Man Overboard on the group's The Heart Attack Tour alongside Transit, and Forever Came Calling.[12]
A music video was released for the song "No Good" in June.[13] It was directed by Eric Teti.[14] In late July, it was announced the band were recording,[15] and in early August the band finished recording its next release.[16] Knuckle Puck supported Senses Fail on the band's Let It Enfold You 10th anniversary tour from late August till early October 2014.[17] In early September, the band released a 7" flexi containing the songs "Oak Street" and "Home Alone", the former of which was intended for release on the group's next EP.[18] The flexi was released by Bad Timing.[19] On October 16, 2014, "Bedford Falls" was available for streaming.[20] On October 23, the While I Stay Secluded EP was made available for streaming[21] and on October 28, it was released[22] by Bad Timing.[23] The EP had peaked at number 5 on the Heatseekers Albums in the U.S.[24] Guitarist Kevin Maida revealed that the band "firmly and confidently" considered the EP the group's best work so far.[22] On October 31, the band released a music video for "Oak Street".[25] In November and December, the band supported Modern Baseball on the group's winter tour.[26]
Style[edit]
Knuckle Puck sound has been described by AllMusic biographer James Christopher Monger as a "melodic blend of old-school punk rock and emo", compared to the likes of The Wonder Years, The Story So Far, and Rise Against.[51] Copacetic has been described as emo[52] and pop punk.[53][54][52] AllMusic reviewer Timothy Monger noted the album's sound "ranging from blazing, epic emo and pop-punk to slower, more contemplative fare."[52] Cleveland.com reviewer Troy L. Smith noted that people who liked early 2000s pop punk albums such as Simple Plan's No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls (2002) and New Found Glory's Sticks and Stones (2002) would enjoy Copacetic.[54]
Side projects[edit]
Rumchaks released a solo EP, Decades, in July 2013.[55] Rumchaks plays guitar and sings vocals in Oak Lawn, Illinois-based band Homesafe, alongside vocalist/bassist Tyler Albertson and drummer Emmanuel Duran.[56] The group has released three EPs and one full-length studio album, Homesafe (2014), Inside Your Head (2015), ‘’Evermore’’ (2016), And ‘’ONE’’ (2018). Homesafe was signed to Pure Noise Records.[56] They are currently unsigned.
Joe Taylor and Rumchaks joined with former Real Friends' vocalist Dan Lambton to form Rationale.[57] With Rationale., Taylor plays guitar and vocals, Rumchaks plays drums, and Lambton on guitar and vocals.[57] "Hangnail" was made available for streaming in December 2015, and the group's debut EP Confines followed shortly after.[57]
Kevin Maida plays guitar in Chicago hardcore-punk band, Lurk.
John Siorek has played drums for bands William Bonney, Droughts, and Matter of Fact.
Nick Casasanto has a solo project called Bad New World. In January 2024 he released an EP by the same name.
Critical reception[edit]
Knuckle Puck was included on Alternative Press's "12 Bands You Need To Know: AP Editors pick their favorite 100 Bands" list in 2014.[58] The band were included on Idobi's "Artists To Watch In 2014" list.[59]
Knuckle Puck was nominated for the Best Underground Band in the 2015 Alternative Press Music Awards.[60]
Knuckle Puck was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Breakthrough Band in the 2016 Alternative Press Music Awards.
Current members
Studio albums