Artist description Knee Jerk Reaction isn't really about pissing people off. Just because there's an open anti-hippie sentiment doesn't mean they're closed minded. Of course, that doesn't mean you'll find them smoking weed at the Pish show. You will find them

Music Style Pop-Punk

Musical Influences Buzzcocks, Descendants, Plimsouls

Similar Artists Bracket, All, Green Day

Artist History Knee Jerk Reaction started out in 97 when Steven, the first bass player for Armchair Martian, gave up the rock & roll lifestyle to go back to school at CSU. One semester later the idea of using student loans for guitars instead of books was discovered and Knee Jerk Reaction was born.

Group Members Steven Garcia, Jeff Tejeck, Ty Dokken

Instruments Fender, Ampeg, Pearl

Albums Modern Pop Rockets, Happy Meals Vol.2

Press Reviews Think you need to jump into the murky sound of Gothic or batter out primal emo-core to explore your dark side? Think again, as Knee Jerk Reaction proves pop punk is a perfect vehicle for worry, neuroses and hesitancy, as well as being a lot more fun than heavier styles to boot. Dressing up its themes of self doubt with a sunshiny pop-punk facade, Knee Jerk Reaction delivers an album chronicling a deceptive amount of inner turmoil. In a fashion similar to Green Day, Knee Jerk Reaction mines life’s more bitter moments on Modern Pop Rockets to produce crystal-clear pop punk, though the Jerks eschew the self-effaced neuroses and melodramatic breakdowns of the boys from Berkeley. Instead, the band’s songs focus on more down-to-earth, and more easily identifiable, themes. Many of Knee Jerk Reaction’s songs capture the nervous buzz of an overactive mind cutting its way through uncertain waters. From "Scared," an anthem for the overactive insomniac, touching on the fidgety mental goose bumps everyone is prone to on sleepless nights, to "Crush Me," a breakup number of the most bittersweet order, singer/guitarist Steven Garcia breathes fresh life into the often mundane psychodrama pop. The band even manages to dip deep into rue on a couple of its darker tracks, "Minutes," one of the album’s high points, and "Facing Up," both taking on a darker outlook setting them apart from the other tracks on this record. The band isn’t confined to complaints, however, and pulls off a few straight-up pop numbers on Modern Pop Rockets. From "Monster Movies," a falling-in-love number set against black and white horror films, or "Unsure Thing," Knee Jerk ties in more traditional themes in this record. Though the band’s lyrics flirt with themes not often found in pop punk, its musical assault fits firmly into the pop punk spectrum. With warm, distorted guitars providing this record with an inviting jolt of energy and bass lines adding an additional layer of melodies, Knee Jerk Reaction doesn’t skimp on the ear candy. Sporting more hooks than is probably healthy, such as the unrelenting bass line of "Complaining About Everything" or the pulsating guitar breaks of "Unsure Thing," pop fans will have no complaint with this album. A couple odd spots jump up on this record, however. Though masterfully produced, there’s a bit too much studio fiddling at times, most notably in some strange vocal effects popping up for a second in "Minutes," and some stereo work that has to be heard through headphones to be truly appreciated. Also, "Drunk Girl," the only song on the albumfocusing more on the outside world than the singer’s personal conflicts, doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the tracks on this record.

Additional Info "Tearing the doors off power-pop and complaining all the way."

Location Fort Collins, Colorado - USA

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