[GAY-CORE] Gay-core proponents Smoochknob are "out" to reclaim punk rock not only for weirdos and outcasts, but also for the queerly cheery bubblegum-pop fan among us, gay and straight alike. This Portland quartet's catchy tongue-in-cheek songs garner comparisons to similarly infectious and clever punky bands like Weezer and Presidents of the U.S.A. Smoochknob is led by drummer-vocalist and founder Donnie Rife formerly of Midwest garage rock legends the Meanies whose Elton John-on-Rivers Cuomo stylings offer lyrics with truly intelligent and subversive social commentary. The band's forthcoming album, Jr. High Anthems, promises ever more potent smooch for your hard-earned scratch. Willamette Week 12.23.05
Gay-Core is: Punkish Rock, catchy, fun MUSIC that pisses you off because you can't get the hooks out of your head. Gay Core is a club full of people singing along with the band. Even if it's their first time... It's that damn infectious! It is not depressing music or music that makes you want to punch someone.
******************** BREAK-NECK RECORDS BIO SHEET Driving full speed ahead, Stump-town's high -octane quartet Smooch Knob is raising pulses throughout the West Coast and beyond... Despite preconceptions formed by the bands name, Smooch Knob's energy-laden, punk-infused pop is taking the air-waves by storm. They've enjoyed excellent drive time exposure on 94.7 KNRK (an Entercom Radio Group modern rock station in Portland, Oregon). Plus a myriad of college & commercial radio stations across the country. Reminiscent of early Green Day / Weezer meets NOFX, Smooch Knob's tongue-in-cheek lyricism and tight, catchy songs generate an infectious energy, as witnessed by the capacity crowds they draw at some of the Northwest's largest venues. Edgy, spirited, entertaining, their radio-friendly songs are shifting this ambitious band quickly into overdrive.
******************** PRESS Oregonian A & E While the band may lament all the "preconceptions" attached to it's name, Smoochknob can't help to be pleased to be among select few locals that get into rotation on KNRK & KUFO. It's punk-pop confections are as well fitted to the current radio climate as they are to spontaneous fan singalongs at shows.
(Help Music) "Smooch Knob is a rare find in the NW. They actually have fun in a music scene full of grunge and pretentious indie bands. Compared to Nerf Herder, Presidents of USA, Bloodhund gang and Chixxdiggit -Smooch Knob is having a blast playing music they love!
Willamette Week JH Smoochknob embraces an achingly personal nerd rock aesthetic, taped glasses at the ready, with lilting anthems of romantic desperation, nervy ballads of romantic desperation and, um, songs about wolverine. Possessed of a pop sensibility and geek-pride fervor that make Weezer & Nerfherder sound like Boss Hog. They deserve groupies who will fund an ever-escalating jones for X-men memorabilia.
Willow Music Brilliant Portland Oregon Band! Very America, teen inspiring, snowboarding cross-over.
******************** BIO Smooch Knob was formed in late 1997. Lead singer & drummer Donnie Rife pilots Smooch Knob from front center stage behind the trap set. After his band, Midwest favorites The Meanies, dissolved in 1995, Donnie relocated to Portland from his Iowa City home-town. Disillusioned, Donnie took a two-year hiatus from performing to write and record, Re-emerging in 1997 with a batch of new songs. Christening his new project Smooch Knob (in reference to Midwest slang for the steering knob featured in '40s and '50s era automobiles), Donnie drove onto Portland's music scene, cultivating a devoted fan-base with his brand of melodic, infectious tunes.
Dissension asked me to ask you if you can make it out to Peppers in Vancouver, this Saturday, I guarantee there's going to be body parts flying, decapitated moshers, and dead hookers in the pit! They got a new vocalist, new material, and their very own JBL sound system (w/ subs even). I'm telling you, "They mean business". I hope to see you there, or at least, see you soon.
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