The
Knockdown – Test/Retest (Kiss of Death
Records )
The Knockdown started as a group of friends
attending the State University at Oneonta
who shared the twin passions of partying and
playing punk rock. After releasing a demo
and playing some shows, the Knockdown have
finally come out with their first full length
record. Landing themselves a release on Kiss
of Death Records (who fit in great with the
already solid punk rock roster) the Knockdown
are ready to try and prove themselves on Test/Retest.
Starting off with an awesome 30 second instrumental,
“A Jose Canseco Bat,” you are
propelled right into this album. With a catchy
guitar riff to kickstart “Shit Went
Down in an Italian Kitchen,” the song
opens up with some of the finest elements
of the Knockdown. The vocals are perfect for
this brand of music, comparable to the raspy
vocals of Chuck Ragan in Hot Water Music.
Another great feature of the Knockdown are
their great sing-alongs, such as in “Graduation
Day” where the song ends with great
gang vocals screaming “I don’t
wanna breakdown!”
The album continues the stream of really
good guitar work, very solid lead vocals,
and some of the catchiest gang vocals around.
Carrying Hot Water Music-esque lead vocals
and guitar work over a Latterman sing along
punk sound, the Knockdown bring a unique blend
that will have you singing along. If you are
getting sick of the formula pop punk bands
out there and want some great singalong music,
pick up Test/Retest.
– Patrick Dowd
CD Reviews 
