Music
Press
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. - Willamette Week JH
[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 - Willamette Week 12.23.05
Discography
Smoochknob / Smoochknob (2005)
Smoochknob / Cream (2007)
The Casualties of Awesome (2009 release)
Junior High Anthems (2010)
All available at: I-Tunes, CD baby, Rhapsody, Amazon & smoochknob.com
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Bio
Smooch Knob was formed by 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.
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