Following the release of their new album ‘Losing What We Love” in October 2023, Chicago Pop Punk icons Knuckle Puck headlined The Fleece in Bristol as the final headline show of their small UK tour, and we were honoured to be there to capture the action. Knuckle Puck have secured their place over the years as one of the best in their genre, with their craft of crunchy, catchy vocal melodies over blazing instrumentals ranging from energetic emo and pop punk to a shimmering slower-paced tone. With their debut album ‘Copacetic’ approaching its 10 year anniversary, we were excited to see how far the band have come at this milestone.
The night was opened up by German emopunk group Shoreline, who lit up the room with their tasteful, upbeat emo jams. The band’s chemistry was contagious, as the bassist and guitarist ran back and forth on stage, swapping positions and singing into each other’s microphones. This was my first time being exposed to the band, and probably many others’ in the room too. It’s safe to say they’re definitely one to look out for.
Knuckle Puck opened their set with new song “The Tower”, kicking the show off with a taste of their new era. Anyone in the crowd who wasn’t already on board with the energy were quickly turned around as they performed their classic hit ‘No Good’ two songs into their set, which immediately had the crowd piling to the front of the stage and screaming the opening words back at vocalist Joe Taylor; “where’s your respect? and didn’t your father teach you anything before he left?”
The Fleece proved to be the perfect venue for the band’s return to Bristol, with its lack of a barrier encouraging crowd surfers, stage-dives and mic-grabs. Vocalist Joe Taylor was seen with a glowing smile throughout the whole set, passing the microphone to fans as they shouted the words back at him, and helping crowd surfers up onto the stage. The band were visibly enjoying the show just as much as the crowd, savouring the moment as they play to a packed out room of passionate fans.
Having not regularly listened to the band since they were a significant part of my music taste in my teenage years, hearing these songs live was truly a nostalgic experience, and despite having no photo pit to separate myself from the chaos, the atmosphere was ecstatic regardless. Old favourites such as ‘Disdain’, ‘Want Me Around’ and ‘Pretense’ had me singing my heart out with the rest of the crowd, holding my camera above my head to prevent it getting obliterated by crowd surfers between shots.
4 albums and a handful of EPs into their career, it’s clear that Knuckle Puck have still got it, remaining one of the most consistent and beloved acts in their genre, and their shows are more energetic as ever.
Words and photos by Ben Hunt – no use without permission.
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