Knuckle Puck

Knuckle Puck, the formidable American rock band hailing from the vibrant suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, ignited the pop-punk and melodic hardcore scenes in 2010. Their evocative name, a playful yet powerful nod to the "knucklepuck" shot popularized by the iconic 1994 film D2: The Mighty Ducks, hints at the energetic, no-holds-barred sound that defines them. Quickly establishing themselves through a series of buzz-generating EPs, the group soared with their 2014 landmark release, While I Stay Secluded, which impressively peaked at number 5 on the Heatseekers Albums chart. That same pivotal year saw a significant transatlantic collaboration with UK pop-punk heavyweights Neck Deep on a highly anticipated split EP. Their momentum culminated in a deal with the renowned Rise Records, through which they unleashed their critically acclaimed 2015 debut album, Copacetic. Knuckle Puck continued to solidify their sonic evolution with subsequent studio albums, including Shapeshifter (2017) and 20/20 (2020), cementing their status as scene stalwarts.

Embarking on a new chapter in 2022, Knuckle Puck joined the esteemed roster of Pure Noise Records. This move was swiftly followed by the release of their powerful lead single, "Groundhog Day," an anthemic track that immediately teased fans with a taste of their eagerly awaited fourth full-length record. This compelling single served as the precursor to their impactful 2023 album, Losing What We Love, showcasing the band`s continued growth and relentless drive.

== History ==

=== Formation and early releases (2010–2014) === Knuckle Pucks journey began in the fall of 2010, deep in the fertile outskirts of Chicago, Illinois. Initially cutting their teeth by performing covers, the bands distinct identity quickly took shape. While their name undeniably evokes the memorable ice hockey maneuver from D2: The Mighty Ducks, the genesis of "Knuckle Puck" was reportedly sparked by a "Knuckle Puck Crew" t-shirt from hardcore titans Stick to Your Guns. The core lineup that would drive their early success included powerhouse lead vocalist Joe Taylor, dynamic lead guitarist Kevin Maida, and solid drummer John Siorek. These formative years saw the band relentlessly honing their craft and building a dedicated grassroots following with their energetic live performances and a series of impactful independent EPs, laying the groundwork for their rapid ascent in the pop-punk and melodic hardcore communities.