Knuckle Puck – Disposable Life | EP Review

In the pop punk hall of fame, this Chicago based collective holds a special place.

From the morose undertones of the 2015 ripper Copacetic through to the 2020 full length 20/20 the band have gone from strength to strength both live and on the record. Retaining such a diehard fan base across a discography of such immense proportions is a skill that not many in the field possess – but we aren’t dealing with just any band of players when looking at this specific release.

Knuckle Puck are taking us on a trip down memory lane with a brand new EP scheduled for release this Friday via Wax Bodega records. Five tracks in length Disposable Life contains the raw energy of a band still driven by their infancy, and despite being twelve years into a widespread career it’s clear that it’s members have never lost the love for their craft. It’s a deep dive into the psyche of its creators – with the concept of living ‘a meaningful life’ called into question, whilst at the same time counter balancing intimate undertones with the feel good sound for which the band are so revered.

Writing outside of the boundaries of label pressure have allowed the band a chance to take stock of what their music means to them and in the words of vocalist Joe Taylor ‘bridges the gap between KP sounds of past and present’, which is sure to be a thrilling statement for any potential listener waiting eagerly for release day to reveal what’s under the covers. Whilst some may dispute that this may not be a collection of the bands strongest material: there’s no doubt it’s cohesive, with a huge sense of nostalgia underpinning the records entire foundation.

If it’s a throwback the fans are looking for, then what better tactic than to throw in a subtle cover for good measure? An ode to the pop punk godfathers, the band’s rendition of the Blink 182 classic ‘Here’s Your Letter’ is the perfect climax for the record, and a beautifully inclusive number for anyone dedicated to the genre. Whilst an excellent addition, it’s definitely the record’s opener ‘Gasoline’ that takes the winning spot with an unapologetic mashup of warming guitar tones and the band’s signature lyric structures diving straight into your ears.

The record may be scrutinized by the more brutal critics, but it’s important to recognize that this is a release the band have penned purely for themselves. The time spent restricted by a global pandemic had the potential to suck the love out of any career path, but Knuckle Puck have pushed through and emerged the other-side with their energy stronger than ever. Acting as a personal catharsis, Disposable Life has the potential to project this new energy onto the remainder of the band’s career, and will no doubt be making an appearance on an extensive touring schedule this summer.