Copacetic (Knuckle Puck album)

Copacetic
Studio album by Knuckle Puck
Released July 31, 2015
Recorded February 26–April 1, 2015
Always Be Genius Recording Studio
Genre Emo,[1] pop punk[1][2][3]
Length 40:47
Label Rise
Producer Seth Henderson
Knuckle Puck chronology
While I Stay Secluded
(2014)		 Copacetic
(2015)
Singles from Copacetic
  1. "Disdain"
    Released: 6 July 2015
  2. "True Contrite"
    Released: 6 July 2015

Copacetic is the debut studio album by American rock band Knuckle Puck. Following the release of several EPs, and the addition of bassist Ryan Rumchaks, the band began writing material for their debut album. In late December, it was announced the band had signed to Rise. Maida mentioned that Rise would be "a bountiful new home" for the group. The band recorded at Always Be Genius Recording Studio between February and April 2015 with producer Seth Henderson. Copacetic was released through Rise on July 31. The album sold over 8,000 copies in the first week, charting at number 61 on the Billboard 200. It also charted in the top 20 on several Billboard charts and in the top 50 on several UK charts.

Background

Knuckle Puck started out covering songs in fall 2010[4] in the outskirts of Chicago.[5] The band consisted of vocalist Joe Taylor, guitarist Kevin Maida and drummer John Siorek.[4] The group started writing original songs in April 2011 with the addition of guitarist Nick Casasanto.[4] The group had friends fill in on bass.[4] The band released several EPs.[5] Maida explained that the EPs were about the band's "woes in life and what was bringing us down".[6] In spring 2014 the band gained bassist Ryan Rumchaks.[4] In October, the band released the While I Stay Secluded EP.[7] Maida revealed that the band "firmly and confidently" considered the EP their best work so far.[7] In November and December, the band supported Modern Baseball on their fall tour.[8] On December 22, Knuckle Puck signed to Rise[9] and plan to release their debut full length album in summer 2015.[10] Guitarist Kevin Maida said that Rise would be "a bountiful new home" for them and would help them evolve.[9]

Production

In late 2014 the band started writing material for Copacetic.[4] Maida claimed the band wanted their sound "cross as many different paths as possible and not have" it "be expected or predictable".[11] The group tried "as many new and exciting things as possible" to expand their sound.[11] Maida called the album "a definitive statement" for the band, "it's a new chapter and a new beginning."[11] Maida explained that copacetic "is a state of being content."[6] A few of the songs on the refer things that "bother us, but overall it's about saying, 'I'm fine. I'm alright'".[6] "Disdain" is about "struggles of a long-distance relationship and disdain one can develop for said distance."[12] "Untitled" came about from the band attempting to mix the styles of 1990s emo bands, such as American Football and Mineral.[4]

On February 26, the band announced they had started recording their debut album[13] and on April 1, they had finished.[14] The album was produced by Seth Henderson at Always Be Genius Recording Studio.[15] Henderson also mixed the album, while Kris Crummett mastered it.[15]

Release

On June 11, 2015 Knuckle Puck's debut album, Copacetic, was announced.[16] The track list and artwork was revealed.[17] The artwork was done by Ben Sears, who also provided design.[15] On June 19, a music video was released for "Disdain".[18] The video was directed by Max Moore.[19] On June 30, "True Contrite" was made available for streaming.[20] The band played on the 2015 edition of Warped Tour.[21] On July 6, "Disdain" and "True Contrite" were released as singles.[22][23] On July 14, "Pretense" was made available for streaming.[24] On July 23, the album was made available for streaming.[25] Copacetic was released on July 31 through Rise.[17][nb 1] On August 10, a music video for "True Contrite" was released.[26] The video features Casasanto's brother[26] and was directed by Moore.[27] The video was filmed twice: one with polaroids on the wall, and the other with nothing on the walls.[26] Maida said the video was "one of the most painstaking, rewarding experiences ever".[26] The band supported State Champs on their European tour in September and October.[28] The band toured the U.S. in October and November, with support from Seaway, Head North and Sorority Noise.[26]

On February 11, 2016, a music video was released for "Pretense".[29] The video was directed by YEAH! Films[30] and filmed in Canada a few weeks prior.[29] In March and February, the band is set to go on their first UK headlining tour with support from Seaway and Boston Manor.[31]

Reception

Commercial performance

Copacetic sold 8,482 copies in the first week.[32] The album charted in the U.S. at number 61 on the Billboard 200.[33] The album also charted at number 3 on the Hard Rock Albums chart,[34] number 4 on both the Alternative Albums[35] and Top Internet Albums charts,[32] number 5 on the Independent Albums chart,[36] number 6 on the Top Rock Albums chart,[37] and number 6 on the Vinyl Albums chart.[32] The album charted in the UK at number 12 on the Independent Album Breakers chart,[38] number 28 on the Rock & Metal Albums chart,[39] and number 47 on the Independent Albums chart.[40]

Critical reception

Reviewing the album for Rock Sound, Jack Rogers said it delivers "the sort of shirt tugging poignancy" the band are known for.[2] Rogers mentioned that album shows off "their emotionally dented style" beating their peers.[2] Overall, he noted that they "invested every ounce" of themselves to create a "damn fine pop-punk debut."[2] Cleveland.com reviewer Troy L. Smith noted that people who liked early 2000s pop punk albums such as Simple Plan's No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls (2002) and New Found Glory's Sticks and Stones (2002) would enjoy Copacetic.[3] Smith wrote that Taylor's vocals was "a nice change of pace" compared to pop punk's typical "whiny vocals".[3] Smith ended with making mention of the band taking risks, such as the eight-minute closing track "Untitled".[3] AllMusic reviewer Timothy Monger noted the album's sound "[r]anging from blazing, epic emo and pop-punk to slower, more contemplative fare."[1]

Punknews.org staff member RENALDO69 wrote that the album had "subtle new bends in it" but kept to the band's sound of their EPs.[41] RENALDO69 clarified that although this wasn't "a bad thing", the album was weighed down by "too much cookie-cutter and filler".[41] He mentioned that the band leaned towards a "more pop side of the punk spectrum", resulting in the album sounding "a bit stagnant."[41] AbsolutePunk reviewer Blake Solomon wrote that although the group's sound had matured, providing "instrumental denouements" and "actually interesting" slow-paced songs.[42] He noted that album did "an admirable job recreating the peaks and valleys of sorrow."[42] Solomon mentioned how pop punk was a genre that references the past, while closing with the album being "just as interested in our uncertain futures."[42]

The album was included at number 9 on Rock Sound's top 50 releases of 2015 list.[43]

Track listing

All songs written by Nick Casasanto, Kevin Maida, Ryan Rumchaks, John Siorek and Joe Taylor.[44]

  1. "Wall to Wall (Depreciation)" – 2:18
  2. "Disdain" – 2:44
  3. "Poison Pen Letter" – 3:39
  4. "Swing" – 3:43
  5. "Ponder" – 2:10
  6. "Evergreen" – 3:28
  7. "True Contrite" – 4:55
  8. "Stationary" – 2:05
  9. "In Your Crosshairs" – 4:42
  10. "Pretense" – 3:05
  11. "Untitled" – 7:51

Personnel

Personnel per booklet.[15]

Knuckle Puck
  • Nick Casasanto – guitar, backing vocals
  • Kevin Maida – guitar
  • Ryan Rumchaks – bass
  • John Siorek – drums
  • Joe Taylor – vocals
Production
  • Seth Henderson – producer, mixing
  • Ben Sears – art, design
  • Kris Crummett – mastering

Chart performance

Chart (2015) Peak
position
UK Independent Albums[40] 47
UK Independent Album Breakers[38] 12
UK Rock & Metal Albums[39] 28
U.S. Billboard 200[33] 61
U.S. Billboard Alternative Albums[35] 4
U.S. Billboard Hard Rock Albums[34] 3
U.S. Billboard Independent Albums[36] 5
U.S. Billboard Top Internet Albums[32] 4
U.S. Billboard Top Rock Albums[37] 6
U.S. Billboard Vinyl Albums[32] 13

References

Footnotes
  1. ↑ U.S. Rise RISE 278-2
Citations
  1. 1 2 3 Monger, Timothy. "Copacetic - Knuckle Puck | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Rogers 2015, p. 80
  3. 1 2 3 4 Smith, Troy L. (July 31, 2015). "Album Review: Knuckle Puck's 'Copacetic' defines pop punk for a new generation". cleveland.com. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Galil, Leor (July 21, 2015). "Knuckle Puck do for pop-punk what elastic does for sweatpants". Chicago Reader. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  5. 1 2 Pearlman 2015, p. 70
  6. 1 2 3 Pearlman 2015, p. 71
  7. 1 2 Rock Sound (October 16, 2014). "Listen To A Brand New Knuckle Puck Track With Rock Sound". Rock Sound Magazine. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
  8. ↑ Sharp, Tyler (September 29, 2014). "Modern Baseball, Knuckle Puck, more announce fall tour". Alternative Press. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
  9. 1 2 Sharp, Tyler (December 22, 2014). "Knuckle Puck Sign to Rise Records". Alternative Press. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
  10. ↑ DiVincenzo, Alex (December 22, 2014). "Knuckle Puck Signs to Rise Records, LP Coming Summer 2015". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
  11. 1 2 3 Sharp, Elliott (July 23, 2015). "Listen: Knuckle Puck's 'Copacetic' Album Premiere". redbull.com. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
  12. ↑ Walker 2015, p. 14
  13. ↑ Sharp, Tyler (February 26, 2015). "Knuckle Puck begin recording debut full-length album". Alternative Press. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  14. ↑ Sharp, Tyler (April 1, 2015). "Knuckle Puck finish recording debut album". Alternative Press. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  15. 1 2 3 4 Copacetic (Booklet). Knuckle Puck. Rise. 2015. RISE 278-2.
  16. ↑ Tate, Jason (June 11, 2015). "Knuckle Puck To Release 'Copacetic' in July". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  17. 1 2 Sharp, Tyler (June 11, 2015). "Knuckle Puck announce debut album, 'Copacetic'". Alternative Press. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  18. ↑ Sharp, Tyler (June 19, 2015). "Knuckle Puck give first taste of debut album with "Disdain"". Alternative Press. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  19. ↑ Rise Records (June 19, 2015). Knuckle Puck - Disdain (Official Music Video). YouTube. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  20. ↑ Palmedo, Tree (June 30, 2015). "Knuckle Puck Set Amps and Emotions to Max on ‘True Contrite’". Spin. Retrieved June 30, 2015.
  21. ↑ Sharp, Tyler (April 8, 2015). "Senses Fail, Knuckle Puck, Miss May I, more announced for Warped Tour 2015". Alternative Press. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  22. ↑ "Disdain - Knuckle Puck | Release Info". AllMusic. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
  23. ↑ "True Contrite - Knuckle Puck | Release Info". AllMusic. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
  24. ↑ Biddulph, Andy (July 14, 2015). "Knuckle Puck Are One Of The Brightest Pop-Punk Bands In The Game. Here’s Why.". Rock Sound Magazine. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  25. ↑ Biddulph, Andy (July 23, 2015). "Stream The New Knuckle Puck Album". Rock Sound Magazine. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
  26. 1 2 3 4 5 Payne, Chris (August 10, 2015). "Knuckle Puck Smash Chairs in Polaroid/Feeling-Filled 'True Contrite' Video". Billboard. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  27. ↑ Rise Records (July 30, 2015). Knuckle Puck - True Contrite (Official Music Video). YouTube. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  28. ↑ Pierangelo, Hannah (May 26, 2015). "State Champs Announce Fall European Headliner". idobi.com. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  29. 1 2 Garner, George (February 11, 2016). "Knuckle Puck Unveil New Video For Pretense". Kerrang!. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  30. ↑ Rise Records (February 11, 2016). Knuckle Puck - Pretense (Official Music Video). YouTube. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  31. ↑ James (November 23, 2015). "Knuckle Puck Announce 2016 UK Headline Tour". Kerrang!. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  32. 1 2 3 4 5 Knuckle Puck (August 19, 2015). "Knuckle Puck on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  33. 1 2 "Knuckle Puck - Chart history (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  34. 1 2 "Knuckle Puck - Chart history (Hard Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  35. 1 2 "Knuckle Puck - Chart history (Alternative Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  36. 1 2 "Knuckle Puck - Chart history (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  37. 1 2 "Knuckle Puck - Chart history (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  38. 1 2 "Official Independent Album Breakers Chart Top 20". officialcharts.com. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  39. 1 2 "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". officialcharts.com. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  40. 1 2 "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". officialcharts.com. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  41. 1 2 3 RENALDO69 (July 28, 2015). "Knuckle Puck - Copacetic". Punknews.org. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  42. 1 2 3 Solomon, Blake. "Knuckle Puck - Copacetic - Album Review". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  43. ↑ Bird, ed. 2016, p. 28
  44. ↑ "BMI | Repertoire Search". BMI. Retrieved October 30, 2015. Click on the individual entries of the Copacetic songs for the writing credits.
Sources
  • Bird, Ryan, ed. (January 2016). "Top 50 Releases of the Year". Rock Sound (London: Freeway Press Inc.) (208). ISSN 1465-0185. 
  • Pearlman, Mischa (Summer 2015). Bird, Ryan, ed. "Everything Is Alright". Rock Sound (London: Freeway Press Inc.) (203). ISSN 1465-0185. 
  • Rogers, Jack (Summer 2015). Bird, Ryan, ed. "Reviews". Rock Sound (London: Freeway Press Inc.) (203). ISSN 1465-0185. 
  • Walker, Jennyfer J. (August 1, 2015). McMahon, James, ed. "Fresh Blood: Rock's Breaking Bands". Kerrang! (London: Bauer Media Group) (1579). ISSN 0262-6624. 

External links

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