Knuckle Puck

Formed in 2010 in the south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, Knuckle Puck established itself in the American pop-punk scene with a direct sound that blends breakneck energy, melodic guitars, and a pronounced emo streak. Led by vocalist Joe Taylor, the band began with covers before putting out a run of self-released EPs, including Don't Come Home (2012), The Weight That You Buried (2013), and While I Stay Secluded (2014), which placed them on the DIY circuit and club tours. Knuckle Puck then joined Rise Records and released its debut album, Copacetic, in 2015, characterized by longer compositions and an emphasis on dynamics between tension and release, followed by Shapeshifter in 2017 and 20/20 in 2020, which continued to explore the space between pop-punk, emo, and alternative rock. In 2023, Knuckle Puck released Losing What We Love on Pure Noise Records, reaffirming songwriting centered on relationships, anxiety, and coming of age, driven by often urgent vocals, hook-filled choruses, and a tight rhythm section honed through extensive touring in North America, the United Kingdom, and Europe.