You know how rock 'n' roll should be about escapism, letting go of energy and emotions and generally having a good time, not something to be picked apart and assessed by smart arsed music reviewers, yeah? Well so do Sacramento gang Knock Knock. They comprise members of several previous bands from the area and have been in existence for several years, during which time normal life, with all its highs and lows, has happened to them just as it does to many. Boring day jobs, marriage, kids... the good and the bad life experiences shared by people everywhere. In that respect being in a band is their way of making their lives that bit more interesting, holding late night practices when they found time. 'We Will Raise Your Child' is their third album and it's not here for chin stroking musos to dissect, it's here for the sheer pleasure of listening to.
That's not to belittle this collection of songs in any way, there's far more here than simple guitar-shaped thrills. There's high calibre songwriting and thought put into this album, if there wasn't they'd be confined to their rehearsal space, wouldn't have been picked up by a label and wouldn't be written about here. The point is that 'We Will Raise Your Child' is not unlike many other bands (they list Yo La Tengo, Bruce Springsteen, REM, Tom Petty, Galaxie 500 and The Replacements amongst others), it's about good tunes done well. True to their word, this record is a great listen, mixing garage, indie-rock and pop with some catchy melodies. The handclappy 'Heaven Sent' is pure guitar-pop fun that's hard to knock (no pun intended), as is 'Wild And Blue', 'If I Don't Sing, If I Don't Dance' and much of the rest.
The harmonious title-track is one of many highlights, as is the superbly named 'Mike vs The Mysteries Of The Multiverse' which dips its toes in alt-country. It's not all bish-bash-bosh rock music. Acoustic track 'When I Was A Child' features a lovely chorus of voices and the reflective 'Where The World Won't End' is lethargic but still shines. The spooky 'Don't Fuck With The Knock Knock' momentarily brings with it a darker atmosphere but that's soon brushed aside for the punky pop finale of 'Lock The Door, Leave The Light On'. Knock Knock aren't claiming to change the world, and they haven't. The rule book remains in pristine condition in the corner, but a great night was had by all involved.
Knock Knock's website
Buy or stream the album
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