Words & Photos by Hristina Stoimenova (@hsmusicphotography)
Knocked Loose’s concert at Franklin Music Hall in Philadelphia, PA, was a tour de force of hardcore energy and intensity, supported by the powerful acts of Show Me The Body, Loathe, and Speed.
The evening kicked off with Speed, an Australian hardcore band making waves in the scene. From the moment they hit the stage, Speed delivered a high-octane performance that set the tone for the night. Their set was a whirlwind of aggression and passion, featuring tracks like “We See U” and “A Dumb Dog Gets Flogged,” which showcased their ferocious energy and tight musicianship. Vocalist Jem’s raw, unfiltered delivery, paired with the band’s thunderous instrumentation, captivated the crowd and ignited the first mosh pits of the evening. Speed’s brief but impactful set was a testament to their rising prominence in the hardcore world.
Next up was Loathe, a British band known for their unique blend of metalcore, shoegaze, and progressive elements. Their performance was both mesmerizing and brutal, creating a dynamic shift in the night’s atmosphere. Opening with “Gored,” Loathe immediately demonstrated their versatility and depth. The seamless transitions between crushing breakdowns and ethereal, ambient passages kept the audience entranced. Songs like “New Faces in the Dark” and “Two-Way Mirror” highlighted the band’s ability to blend heaviness with melody, creating a hauntingly beautiful yet fiercely intense experience.
As Show Me The Body took the stage, the crowd surged forward, ready for another round of hardcore chaos. The New York-based trio brought an unorthodox edge to the lineup, fusing hardcore punk with elements of hip-hop and experimental noise. Their raw, unpolished sound and confrontational stage presence created an electric atmosphere. Opening with “Out of Place,” Show Me The Body quickly asserted their dominance. The set was a barrage of chaotic energy, with songs like “Madonna Rocket” and “Badge Grabber” pushing the crowd into a frenzy. Julian Cashwan Pratt’s visceral vocals and thrashing banjo riffs, combined with Harlan Steed’s driving bass lines and Jackie McDermotts’ thunderous drumming, created a primal and immersive experience. Show Me The Body’s performance was a wild, cathartic explosion, perfectly setting the stage for the headliners.
When Knocked Loose finally took the stage, the anticipation reached its peak. The Kentucky-based hardcore outfit wasted no time, launching into “Blinding Faith” with an intensity that sent shockwaves through the venue. Frontman Bryan Garris’s ferocious screams and commanding presence immediately captivated the audience. The band’s setlist was a brutal journey through their discography, featuring fan favorites like “Counting Worms,” “Deadringer,” and “Mistakes Like Fractures.”
Each song was delivered with unrelenting energy, driving the crowd into a series of chaotic mosh pits and stage dives. The band’s tight performance and raw aggression were matched by the enthusiastic response from the audience, creating a symbiotic energy exchange that fueled the night’s intensity. Guitarists Isaac Hale and Nicko Calderon delivered crushing riffs and intricate leads, while bassist Kevin Otten and drummer Kevin Kaine provided a thunderous backbone, driving the relentless pace of the set.
A standout moment of the night was the performance of “Billy No Mates / Counting Worms,” where the entire venue seemed to erupt. The infamous “Arf Arf” chant echoed through the hall, uniting the crowd in a moment of collective release. Knocked Loose’s ability to blend blistering aggression with emotional depth was on full display, resonating deeply with the audience.
Throughout their set, Knocked Loose maintained a visceral connection with the crowd, expressing genuine gratitude and feeding off the audience’s energy. The performance was a testament to the band’s position at the forefront of the modern hardcore scene, delivering a night that was as cathartic as it was punishing.
Knocked Loose, Show Me the Body, Loathe, Speed Remaining tour dates:
Jun 07: Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
Jun 08: Atlanta, GA – The Eastern
Jun 09: St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
Catch Knocked Loose out on tour with Slipknot later this summer!!
Knocked Loose
Show Me The Body
Loathe
Speed
