ALBUM REVIEW: Shapeshifter – Knuckle Puck

Pop-punk has always had a plucky likability to it, but often finds itself unable to really shine. Whilst the underground is alive and well, there are few stand out bands that can draw others to the genre, and amongst the few, KNUCKLE PUCK find themselves atop the pack. Taking in elements of emo and even post-hardcore, the Chicago troupe pack their second album with as much as they can to show they’ve moved on from their excellent debut.

Shapshifter starts off in a far more sombre and deliberate way as opposed to Copacetic. Nervous Passenger and Twist open the record, and whilst the latter has a good level of energy, it lacks the memorability that sets KNUCKLE PUCK‘s best songs apart from the rest. The punk rock drive of Double Helix kicks the record up a gear before the first highlight Gone swings for the rafters. The song is drenched in emotion tinged with optimism, whilst the massive chorus cements this as some of the bands best output.

Everyone Lies To Me is a punchy number that is definitely more punk than pop but the hard opening verse is quickly replaced with some middle of the road melodies that leave the listener wanting. KNUCKLE PUCK are at their best when writing reflective and emotionally cathartic music, and this is highlighted with the excellent Want Me Around. The song encapsulates the acceptance of loss in a heart breaking three minutes that will remain firmly on loop in your head days after listening.

There is a clear progression from Copacetic to Shapeshifter, with a lot of the music this time round feeling more well realised. Taking a step back from writing bouncing, stereotypical pop-punk songs has allowed KNUCKLE PUCK to stretch their musical wings whilst utilising good structure to give their songs memorability. There is a sense of maturity on Shapeshifter that replaces the lovable naivety of Copacetic, with the final three songs this time round providing a gentle and moving finale to an album that modestly shows KNUCKLE PUCK to be a band with true potential.

Shapeshifter does feel somewhat unbalanced, and the pacing of the record Is something that does come into play. With the opening two songs failing to live up to quality of the rest of the album, it takes some time before KNUCKLE PUCK begin to display what makes them such a promising young act. There are some truly exceptional moments on Shapeshifter, but it does lack the consistency that came with their debut. However, with the clear influences from a number of genres, the resulting and progressing sound is a moving and grabbing noise from a genre that often gets stuck in its own motions.

Rating: 7/10

Shapeshifter is out now via Rise Records.

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