JORGE: We started this band while I was finishing up coursework for a Master’s Degree in Chicana Studies; my research revolved around the performance of masculinity in Hardcore punk rock. The lyrics I write are rooted in violence as an extension of masculinity.
As art, Knuckle Sandwich isn’t necessarily an endorsement of violence, but the performance thereof. There is a ritualistic aspect to the mosh pit, as it is a space where people can assert masculinity and appreciation for the noise.
Knuckle Sandwich is: Jorge Cruz (Vox/Lyrics), Ruben Cruz (Drums), Patrick (Foolish) Valencia (Guitar/Bass), & Bradford Fisher (Bass).
Knuckle Sandwich started as an idea from my brother Ruben, who wanted to learn the drums to start a band called Melting Ice. My brother and I went to shows every weekend and met our guitarist, Patrick. We joined for the first time as a band at our former bassist’s house for a carne asada in late 2023.
Our goal was to play with our favorite bands in the local DIY venues at the time, like the Void, Baseline Studios, and the Slab. I don’t think we ever expressed anything greater than wanting to contribute to Inland Empire hardcore history, however big or small.
Our Latino identity is central to what we represent, especially in the time we live in now. There is a lot of hate in the world, and it is important to realize that the root is white supremacy. We are in the late stages of this American Empire. The immigration system is flawed on purpose, leaving people in legal limbo that is not as simple as opponents make it out to be. Class shapes a great part of our identity because we recognize both the value of labor and the burden of scraping by.
To be Chicano and proud is to reject assimilation.
FOOLISH: My biggest influences are mostly 90’s beatdown, Latin and American hip-hop/rap, and some metal sprinkled over. Writing-wise, my thought process is very natural; I get really faded and stick to a rhythm, then figure out what notes I want to fill in.
JORGE: Our early sound is true to a traditional hardcore sound, and as we progressed, our interest in slam and beatdown became more apparent. I remember we listened to a lot of slam after the 1st EP, and Blunt Cough by Snuffed on Sight blew my mind. Vocally, I was still finding my sound on the first and second EPs. I recorded the first squeals in our second EP when I had just figured out how to do them. After performing more and becoming more comfortable, I have been able to find what works best for me. Sometimes you doubt what you’ve recorded, and this happens all the time, but it’s always reassuring to hear from people who genuinely love your sound and style. Overthinking can genuinely kill your spirit. I am my biggest critic, but I have been slowly learning to shut that part of myself up.
My biggest lyrical influences in writing for Knuckle Sandwich have been a mix of Chicano rap, corridos, and different goth subgenres.
Violence is a central theme to a lot of our music, but lately I have been wanting to make more emotional hardcore, or at least a bit more serious. Our tracks DEAR GOD and LOST (Ft. Sanguisugabogg) tackle my relationship with God, but primarily a struggle of faith. In these songs, I know I need to come clean, and I even feel unworthy of God’s forgiveness. These songs represent a fear that God has hardened my heart, like he did Pharaohs in Exodus, and I will no longer be able to feel close to God.
Our song WATCH ME DIE with Exutoire is our most experimental track and definitely worth a listen. I wanted to write a song people could cry or reminisce to, and Cynthia knocked her part out of the park with sheer vocal sentimentalism. I appreciated their creative input. This track was also part of my wanting to write music that wasn’t just about violence.
FOOLISH: Our tonality evolved from an idea of crashing out in a context that makes sense for mixed/Chicano people. Guitar-wise, more than ever, I’m chasing the tone from bands like Irate NYC or Cold as Life, using low-tuned guitars through solid-state high-gain amps.
JORGE: We open up each project with samples based on the music we listen to on tour and jokes we make in a group chat. Everything ties back to crashing out, if you really think about it. We want you to wake up and act up.
Touring expanded the realm of possibilities for us, and all it takes is making the first leap forward. Hardcore also goes beyond the moshpit; those connections you make at the merch table, parking lot, or late-night eats are the most important. Staying active and making your mark go hand-in-hand.
We started Knuckle Sandwich because we wanted to keep creating memories in the mosh pit. I hope to see a lot more unity within the scene in the future.
The great majority of people at our shows are young hardcore kids. We don’t do 21+ shows, so all our supporters can make it out, and we’ve achieved a lot independently without having to capitulate to local agendas or groupthink. In and of itself, that has cost us a great deal. But I wouldn’t change anything in our journey; we love being independent and staying busy.
We measure success by what we experience on the road and the friendships we make, not monetary gain. Your support is priceless.
-Knuckle Sandwich for Dead Relatives.
