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Knockout Theory

Killing the Past (2008)
self-released

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

Contributed by: Brian
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on March 3rd 2009

Knockout Theory play the very typical style of local punk rock -- quasi-melodic hardcore with ill-fitting "metal" riffs and a few ill-advised flourishes (ugh, that terrible vocoder effect in "Melancholy"...why??). A laborious 38 minutes to get through, Killing the Past proves why most bands should punch out a few EPs before trying the full-length format.

Killing the Past has a few surprisingly competent choruses ("Last Chance," "Melancholy"), but they're stuffed between super average compositions of modern punk rock á la an early watered down Sum 41. Smartbomb, No Trigger, hell, even One Win Choice are all doing this more cohesively and in exciting ways. Many of these verses sound like little more than foundations to show off newly learned guitar skills, and it's consequently hard to care much or want to listen.

Everything about Killing the Time is achingly predictable. I mean, they even have the token upstroke song ("Self-Destruction") and jokey Star Spangled Banner riff thrown in ("Medal of Honor"). "Medal of Honor," in particular, just sounds rushed. Cringeworthy styles of singing are all too common, as well ("Trapped Inside," "Melancholy," "Out on a Limb").

Knockout Theory also seem really, really young, so I imagine they'll get better as they discover new influences and better master their abilities.

STREAM
Melancholy
Last Chance
Self-Destruction
Medal of Honor
Trapped Inside

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deadxlast (March 10, 2009)

Well mike what I meant was most kids who get into music (that I know, anyway) get into bands and start playing around 16, 17 or 18, and as an inexperienced band, they usually just suck, from lack of experience. That's all. Nothing to do with age really, it's just that they generally get into playing around that age. Also, as you get older, it's inevitable that you're influences expand.

unity3990 (March 5, 2009)

i wouldnt say they're a joke. i think they are a good band, just the album isnt amazing. it's decent.

mikexdude (March 5, 2009)

Word. I am playing with Title Fight on sunday. SO STOKED.

jake358 (March 5, 2009)

I agree exactly with you Mike.

The problem I have is that there are so many genuinely talented bands (i.e. Title Fight) that have members that are 17-18.
This band seems to be taking themselves so seriously and for what their sound/image is, I see it as kind of a joke.

And one of the kids went to my college...so yeah, they're not THAT young.

mikexdude (March 5, 2009)

I never understood the "they're young" thing: some of the best punk bands were like 17-18. Okay, I know not EVERYONE can be as groundbreaking or anything as say, Minor Threat, I just don't find being young and excuse for not being good. I'm in a band, and I'm young. I can accept the fact we suck.

I have not heard this band so I do not know if they suck or not.

Growing as a band > growing up.

deadxlast (March 5, 2009)

I agree with the reviewer, they probably should have taken the effort to put out a few solid EPs to develop their style. All the riffing seems extraneous and unimpressive. It's like the band listened to a Strung Out album and did their best to copy it. The drumming isn't bad, but it feels a little by-the-numbers.

They're young though, and I think if they stick with it they could start making some really great stuff. Shit, when I started writing music, it was awful, so I know that you can get a lot better in just a few years. I'll watch for their next album.

unity3990 (March 5, 2009)

they are obviously sponsored by AMP and sold a hot topic?
good for them. they are doing it right

NoTrig71 (March 5, 2009)

none of them are 19 yet, but also yeah kinda commercial site. not quite sure how i feel about that

andrewg (March 5, 2009)

oh wow that's bad, no redeeming qualities, and whats with the ads for hot topic, amazon and amp energy drinks?

unity3990 (March 4, 2009)

i meant to post this rating. my bad.

unity3990 (March 4, 2009)

i think these guys have a promising future. with a touch of [natural] maturity, these guys will be fucking awesome!

jake358 (March 4, 2009)

Yeah but the rest of the guys are like 19...

NoTrig71 (March 4, 2009)

Not an amazing album, I'll give you that, but this is a little harsh on these kids. Their lead guitarist is like 14 and can play much crazier shit than allota professional bands. I agree, lets give em a year - these guys have definite promise though.

friokir (March 4, 2009)

it shows a decent amount of promise, but WTF is this double-pedal bullshit.

jake358 (March 3, 2009)

Good review, not good album.