The Knockarounds

Powerpop / Indie / Rock

Los Angeles, CA

Lost in Cyberspace - Episode 3

Lost in Cyberspace - Episode 2

Lost In Cyberspace - Episode 1

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Billboard

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http://www.theknockarounds.com

Although the Indie powerpop sound of the Knockarounds has been compared to such bands as The Killers and Bloc Party, what sets them apart is their unexpected integration of graphic and sarcastic lyrics. The Knockarounds also take a DIY approach to their marketing and production, having been independent filmmakers.

The Los Angeles based Knockarounds were conceived by singer Ro Sahebi and guitarist Jason Michael over cocktails at a nightclub in Las Vegas. Prior to The Knockarounds, Ro was the frontman / songwriter of Drive Thru recording artist, Cousin Oliver. After several years as a studio guitarist and producer for the label, Ro felt uninspired by the current state of pop music and wanted to bring something fresh to the table. In 2006, The Knockarounds added keyboardist / producer Cliff Tang and formed BiteSize Inc. in order to create a vehicle to bring their brand of music directly to the fans. The decision to create a Indie label instead of signing with a major was made to fast track production, maintain creative control, and keep the best interests of the band at heart.

The Knockarounds first EP "The Hurt Stays" was completed in 2007 and includes their first single "The Loner."

Review of the ep. by Adam Harrington

The Knockarounds (http://www.theknockarounds.com) join the pop-punk sweepstakes with less aggro rock volume and more humor and frat-boy fun than their peers. The group echoes the subversive, adolescent wit of "Dookie"-period Green Day with the emotional highs and melodic instincts of Weezer. Party like it's 1994? Well, why not? On this five-track EP, the Knockarounds bust the walls between power pop and pop-punk. "The Loner" is more of the former, a Superdrag-fueled high-octane blast of fuzzy guitars, toe-tapping keyboards, and winsome vocal harmonies. It's much better than any of the emo garbage that "Alternative Press" magazine is pushing these days. The title track is as hummable as anything from Weezer's debut album. On "On Your Back," the Knockarounds will stir a little controversy with its graphic sexuality; they wouldn't be a punk band if they didn't push the envelope, right? Probably the biggest chuckles I got were from "Siouxsie Is My Goth Queen," a tribute to New Wave Hall of Famer Siouxsie Sioux complete with opening Banshee wail and the cute line, "Makes me wish everyday was Halloween," which just might be a reference to Ministry. Reviewed by Adam Harrington: http://www.whisperinandhollerin.com/reviews/review.asp?id=5240

Review of the ep. by Kyrby Raine

The Knockarounds/The Hurt Stays Given that I'm a huge fan of post-punk icon Siouxsie Sioux, the Knockarounds quickly won me over with "Siouxsie Is My Goth Queen," a hilariously irreverent homage to the lady herself. The Knockarounds don't try to ape the classic Siouxsie sound; the band's infectious punk-pop never strays outside of its creative boundaries which, on a track about Siouxsie Sioux, makes it even more funny for its sheer audacity. After hearing the first cut, "The Loner," I had the Knockarounds pegged as the Second Coming of the Replacements. "The Loner" is classic Mats with its teen-angst lyrics and beer-guzzled garage riffs. The soaring chorus will remind you of early Goo Goo Dolls, who were massively influenced by the Replacements so there you go. However, the remainder of the CD reminded me of Blink-182 - but a better Blink! These tunes are more catchy and melodic than Blink's hits. I want to especially point out "On Your Back" with its sexually twisted lyrics. There's definitely a good reason for the parental advisory sticker so kids don't let your parents hear this tune. Reviewed by Kyrby Raine: http://ougroundcdreviews.wordpress.com/