Knuckle - Life's A Bench, Then They Put Your Name On It (2023) Hi-Res

There has been a bit of a gap since the release of Huddersfield garage rock trio KNUCKLE’s last album, their debut Life Is Hard When You’re Soft Inside in 2019 – for obvious reasons. The events of the past few years have been – if not confusing for this pack of working class musicians trying to keep a band afloat – merely fuel for an even more spirited, vehemently down-to-earth and raucous record for their sophomore release.

Life’s A Bench, Then They Put Your Name On It is a record about the chaos in between the moment you are given an involuntary place on this earth until the moment it has to end. Although, these guys don’t make it sound that frank. “[It] is the second instalment of a trilogy of albums about trying to navigate life,” says drummer Ben Wallbanks. Aided by ruminative yet fun riffs and fierce vocals from Jonny Firth, the record spouts confidence and reassurance which perhaps many of us could use.

The tracks focus on different aspects of life’s unrest. Doom Of Love is about “being scared to love somebody that’s in love with you, because you know one day you’ll fuck it up” as the band describe. It kicks in with a BAND OF SKULLS-esque intro that comprises an energetic punk riff and a punchy first line from Firth. The cool attitude and eeriness of the track builds up as the chorus describes “the doom of love is coming at you down the street”.

Sick At The Fair is inspired by the band’s first gig at Beat-Herder Festival in Lancashire where they “got a bit too messed up and threw up all over the shop”. This endearing sentiment is masked however with some driven drum licks and lyrics that suggest it is about two lovers enjoying a trip to the fair. It’s just one of the tracks on the record that showcase KNUCKLE’s talent, charisma and ability to not take themselves too seriously.

As do tracks Jonny Got Knocked Out and Guest List. The latter is the kind that would safely raise the roof at gigs. The lyrics describe putting someone who only gets in contact when they want something on the guest list for one of their shows, in return for a favour and at arm’s length: “I’ll put you on the guest list / I’ll stand you next to your ex”. Meet Me At The Station is a blues-inspired track with a gorgeous guitar sound that will be stuck in your head for days. Better Door (Than A Window) throws a racy electro-rock number into the mix that could be mistaken for ROYAL BLOOD in the first 10 seconds.

KNUCKLE’s ability to compose a convivial and humorous record whilst dealing with the ugly side of life is nothing short of refreshing. From the first hearing it’s easy to feel the passion and sincerity that has gone into this from a trio of hard-working musicians. The genre palette extends from punk to blues to garage rock – a fitting description as it’s all going on in one tight space. Ska-punk could be their next venture as they definitely have the magnetism for it.