Album review: Knuckle Puck – Losing What We Love

Knuckle Puck are a celebrated name in contemporary pop-punk, and for good reason. For 13 years, the Chicago five-piece have kept themselves at the forefront of the genre by ensuring their music is a fine mix of intelligent and intense, retaining the emotional soul-bearing that comes with all good pop-punk but without straying into cliché. It’s a feat they largely accomplish again on Losing What We Love.

The title of opener A New Beginning might hint at some kind of departure, but those who adore the Knuckle Puck of old need not fear, as Losing What We Love begins with the kind of feelings-drenched pop-punk its creators have always dealt in well. The band bare their teeth more on the sharper edged The Tower and the potent force of October, while their penchant for a more visceral emo sound emerges on Act Accordingly, which is accompanied by a versatile vocal performance. Closing track Fool is similar in its effect, starting out muted before building into an affecting emotional crescendo.

Knuckle Puck’s softer, more upbeat side is also present on the catchy You & I, as well as strong efforts Out Of Touch and Worlds Apart. They don’t quite hit the highs of the band’s excellent, similarly accessible 2020 single Earthquake, but there’s enough there to suggest it’s a sound the band would do well to lean into more in the future.

Losing What We Love is an accomplished album, and while it doesn’t see its creators at their very best, there’s still plenty of sound material that will ensure pop-punk fans won’t be losing their love for Knuckle Puck any time soon.

Verdict: 3/5

For fans of: Neck Deep, Real Friends, The Story So Far

Losing What We Love is released on October 20 via Pure Noise