A Different Shade of Blue explained

A Different Shade of Blue is the second studio album by the American hardcore punk band Knocked Loose. It was released through Pure Noise Records on August 23, 2019, and produced by Will Putney.^[1] It was the last album to feature rhythm guitarist Cole Crutchfield before his departure in 2020.

Musical style

The album merges the styles of hardcore punk and heavy metal.^{[2] [3]} It has been categorised as genres such as metalcore,^[4] heavy hardcore^[5] and sludgecore.^[6] It often borders the sounds of Swedish death metal^[7] and groove metal.

Kris Pugh of Distorted Sound magazine described it as putting the band "at the apex of modern hardcore".^[8] In an article for Kerrang!, Dan Slessor says that in comparison to the band's previous album: "It’s more hardcore, more metal, there are more fast parts, more breakdowns, more malice, more unease and, perhaps most importantly, more energy". In an article for New Noise magazine, Caleb R Newton said that "There is not a single moment on A Different Shade of Blue that’s not packed to the brim with musical (and thematic!) brutality".^[9] However, Connor Atkinson for Exclaim! described "Mistakes Like Fractures" as "overtly catchy".

Critical reception

The album generally received positive reviews.

Accolades

Accolades for A Different Shade of Blue! Publication! Accolade! Rank

Alternative Press	The 50 Best Albums of 2019
Loudwire	The 66 Best Metal Albums of the Decade: 2010–2019
Loudwire	The 50 Best Metal Albums of 2019
Revolver	25 Best Albums of 2019
What Culture	15 Best Metal Albums of 2019

Personnel

Knocked Loose

• Bryan Garris – vocals
• Isaac Hale – lead guitar, vocals
• Cole Crutchfield – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Kevin Otten – bass
• Kevin "Pacsun" Kaine – drums

Additional contributors

• Will Putney – recording, mixing, mastering
• Ridge Rhine – artwork
• Emma Boster – additional vocals on "A Serpent's Touch"
• Keith Buckley – additional vocals on "Forget Your Name"

Charts

Chart (2019)! scope="col"

Peak position
Scottish Albums (OCC)[10]	41
UK Album Sales (OCC)[11]	26
UK Digital Albums (OCC)[12]	66
UK Physical Albums (OCC)[13]	27
UK Independent Albums (OCC)[14]	5
UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC)[15]	3
US Billboard 200[16]	26

Notes and References

1. Web site: Monger . Timothy . Knocked Loose A Different Shade of Blue . . 2 December 2019.
2. Web site: Slessor . Dan . Album Review: Knocked Loose – A Different Shade of Blue . . 2 December 2019.
3. Web site: Fryer . Peter . Review: Knocked Loose – A Different Shade of Blue . 2 December 2019.
4. Web site: Zelaya . Carlos . Album Review: Knocked Loose – A Different Shade Of Blue . 2 December 2019.
5. Web site: Stewart . Dave . Knocked Loose – A Different Shade of Blue . 2 December 2019.
6. Web site: Baechle . Alexander . ALBUM REVIEW: Knocked Loose hones its sound with 'A Different Shade of Blue' . 2 December 2019.
7. Web site: Album Review: Knocked Loose – 'A Different Shade of Blue' . . 2 December 2019.
8. Web site: Pugh . Kris . Album Review: A Different Shade Of Blue – Knocked Loose . 2 December 2019.
9. Web site: Newton . Caleb R. . Album Review: Knocked Loose – A Different Shade of Blue . 2 December 2019.
10. Web site: Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100. Official Charts Company. August 30, 2019. April 20, 2023.
11. Web site: Official Albums Sales Chart Top 100. Official Charts Company. August 30, 2019. April 20, 2023.
12. Web site: Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100. Official Charts Company. August 30, 2019. April 20, 2023.
13. Web site: Official Physical Albums Chart Top 100. Official Charts Company. August 30, 2019. April 20, 2023.
14. Web site: Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50. Official Charts Company. August 30, 2019. April 20, 2023.
15. Web site: Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40. Official Charts Company. August 30, 2019. April 20, 2023.
16. Web site: Zellner . Xander . Knocked Loose Debuts Atop Emerging Artists Chart, Summer Walker Soars . . 2 December 2019.