‘We’re Knocked Loose and we’re from Kentucky!’
I now understand why they call lead vocalist, Bryan Garris, Mikey Mouse. But in all truth, this Mikey Mouse had power. Anyone that can bounce about, ripping their vocal cords apart whilst maintaining a rhythmically sound headbanging session, has power. In fact, Knocked Loose, alongside support acts Terror and Static Dress, are amid a week-long tour of the UK, with no breaks. Putting on a show like that, night after night must be unimaginably exhausting, one can only sympathise for Bryan’s vocals.
We headed over to KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton for the show. To begin with, the venue was impressive. For some reason I may have been expecting a smaller basement type venue, but no. The Steel Mill was set up for 2000+ capacity, with 2 unbelievably well-priced bars, and astonishingly a food stand. Metalheads as far as the eye could see and, ultimately, a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
Being one of the first hardcore shows I’ve attended since pre-pandemic, it was excellent to see such a dynamic crowd; willing to not hold back. It may have been support act, Terror, that initialised the ruthless energy of the crowd. Scott Vogel, Terror’s lead vocalist, was ready to see some action in the crowd, as he told people to ‘jump on some people’s heads’. That was enough to get the crowd surfing and moshing going. All warmed up for the main event.
Knocked Loose were tireless. The energy was there all the way through. I must say that Isaac Hale, the outfit’s guitarist, and growler, was almost like a second frontman. Him and Bryan ricochet off each other perfectly. But I was surprised by Isaac’s undeniable authority over the crowd; this was of course at the hands of his controlled, killer riffage combined with his deep growls. Issac’s growls stirred in with Bryan’s piercing screams made for the ultimate combination.
Some favourite tracks of the night include: ‘All My Friends’, ‘Billy No Mates’, ‘God Knows', and of course the finale ‘Counting Worms’.
If you get the chance to see these hardcore boys, take it. As long as you don’t mind having achy muscles the next day...
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