Since their last record, A Tear In The Fabric Of Life was released in late 2022, hardcore icons Knocked Loose have been kicking in teeth and snapping necks across the world and made time for some exciting Australian sideshows alongside appearances during the KNOTFEST Australia debut weekend. It was a matter of time before new tunes were released, and today it's time to get not one but two new tracks in your ears! Read my thoughts on 'Deep In The Willow' and 'Everything Is Quiet Now', the brand-new Upon Loss Singles.
The lyrical content of 'Deep In The Willow' describes how greedy figures mean nothing and end up alone. This intense message is accompanied by equally fierce music, featuring familiar eerie intros before delivering a hectic onslaught of abrasive vocals and spirited instrumentals. 'Deep In The Willow' feels crafted for the stage, as Bryan Garris continuously chants "A king to none" throughout both choruses. I can already see crowds screaming "Knocked Loose motherfucker" during the closing of this track.
'Everything Is Quiet Now' is an immediate onslaught on the ears, hitting the listener with an intense pace from the second you press play. This intro features contrasting vocals from both Isaac Hale and Bryan alongside the erratic tunes. The first crescendo is a heavy teaser for further mayhem, showcasing Isaac's vocals further. The bridge build-up leads to an incredibly satisfying breakdown that would invigorate any pit. This breakdown is accompanied by soft strings, which provide the listener with a calm outro.
“Deep in the Willow and Everything is Quiet Now are a reminder that we are heavy, intense, and extreme,” Garris tells. “Some elements come and go, but those will never change. After A Tear in the Fabric of Life we were inspired to see how much art we could incorporate moving forward - which led us to a style of video we’ve never attempted or approached. Taking myself specifically far outside of my comfort zone and pushing the boundaries on how I’ve been seen in the past was a creative experience I will never forget. This video wouldn’t be what it is without the collaboration with Eric Richter, someone we’ve admired for a while. And the songs wouldn’t be what they are without [producer] Drew Fulk, a new friend and creative ear in the entire process.”
Once again, Knocked Loose has cemented their place as hardcore heavyweights by delivering a stellar double dip of new music in the Upon Loss Singles. It's another fantastic day to be a fan of hardcore and Knocked Loose.
Written by Tyler Lubke.
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Stream the Upon Loss Singles, Deep In The Willow / Everything Is Quiet Now now.
Upon Loss will be released on 10” vinyl format. Pre-order here.
