Knockout Kings (band)

Early Years

Formed in 2003, the Kings began to gain popularity in the Azle, Texas music scene. The band soon gained popularity all over Fort Worth, and soon independently released the Bleeding is the Motive EP. Prominently featured on their debut EP was the satirical song "I'm Hardcore, and You Are Not." While the band has not performed this song since early 2005, it was a large factor in their quick rise in popularity. In March 2005 the Kings released their critically acclaimed sophomore effort, entitled "The Lion." The release of "The Lion" saw the band abandon the tongue-in-cheek approach to songwriting that defined their previous efforts and begin writing songs highlighted by deep lyrical themes and symbolism that followed them throughout the remainder of their career.

Record Deal and Touring

Shortly after the release of The Lion EP in March 2005, Abraham and Robertson left the band due to personal differences. After a few shows with friends filling in on bass and guitar, the Kings found permanent replacements with Cam Phillips on guitar and backing vocals and Jeff Goldin on bass. Soon the band departed on their first national tour with Austin, TX band Hundred Year Storm and Mississippi metalcore giants Fourtoomany. The first Knockout Kings tour was booked using an old fashioned D.I.Y. work ethic with the help of the internet. Upon returning from this tour, the band began to write for their next release. The incorporation of Goldin and Phillips into the writing process saw a brought a stylistic change to the band's music.

Following a performance on MTV's My Super Sweet 16 and a winter tour with Dallas hardcore act Bats and Knives, drummer Jason Speed decided to leave the band and relocate to Austin, Texas, where the girls were quote "hairier." Jon Burrow, who had traveled with the group before to sell merchandise, eventually joined the band on drums. With the final line-up set, the band recorded The Kid's Got Heart! EP at Jacketweather Studios in Austin, TX with engineer David Dreesen. The five tracks were mastered by Nolan Brett (As I Lay Dying (band), Horse the Band). The EP was released in June 2006 on Doll House Recordings. Phillips described the new album in HM (magazine) as "a new direction" and "definitely pop-driven." Smartpunk.com awarded The Kid's Got Heart! With 3.5/5 stars. In the summer of 2006, the Knockout Kings toured the United States for several months with labelmates widows&orphans. During that tour, they performed at Cornerstone Music Festival. There they were voted the number one band on the Decapolis showcase stage, and the number two band overall for the entire showcase.

In early 2007, the band recorded again with David Dreesen at Jacketweather Studios. The song, entitled "Question Everything," was featured on "The Emo Diaries Volume 11: Taking Back What's Ours" which was released on Deep Elm Records the same year.

In spring of 2007, Juan Burpo (drums) left the band due to personal reasons. Jon is now the permanent touring drummer for the indie act PlayRadioPlay! His original fill-in replacement was Alan Summers, formerly of the band In Theory (the precursor to metalcore/electronica act Sky Eats Airplane). Later that year, a good friend of the band, Jason Merrell, took over touring drum duties, and eventually became a permanent member of the band.

Side projects

The future

On January 14, 2009, Knockout Kings issued this statement on their official website.

Discography

Bleeding is the Motive (EP) - 2004
1. It's Like Something Out of a Dean Martin Song
2. I'm Hardcore, and You Are Not
3. The World Died When Lamonica Gave Up His Gift
4. I'll Give You Something To Bleed For pt. 2
5. Carry Moonbeams Home in a Jar

The Lion (EP) - 2005 (Doll House Recordings)
1. Set Fire, Dreamweaver
2. Rebel With Claws
3. Red-Headed Stranger
4. The Fearsome Foursome
5. It Was Always Easy Saying Yes
6. The Lion

V/A "Houses Volume Two" - 2006 (Doll House Recordings)
5. Red-Headed Stranger
6. Snake Eyes (demo)

The Kid's Got Heart! (EP) - 2006 (Doll House Recordings)
1. All Roads Lead Home
2. Snake Eyes
3. True Blue
4. He's A Hood
5. Road Warriors

V/A The Emo Diaries 11: Taking Back What's Ours - 2007 (Deep Elm Records)
4. Question Authority

V/A Fight Back! Compilation: Volume 1 - 2007 (Champion Recordings)
1. All Roads Lead Home

Unreleased - 2007
1. Road Warriors (Ocelot Remix) - Ocelot Mthrfckrs

TBA (Full Length) - 2010 (Doll House Recordings)