Top Tracks: “Darlin’ darlin’,” “Action!” “Make You Mine”
Similar Artists: The Midnight Cowgirls, Girl Tones, The Aquadolls
Recent News: Released their latest single, “Hot Mama,” on February 8.
In an alternate timeline, The Knee Hi’s were one of the many iconic artists featured on the soundtrack to the cult classic “Roadie” (1980) alongside Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick and Blondie. Instead, the Chicago-based rock ‘n’ roll group have been intentionally placed in the present, blaring through the speakers of modern day so that they may serve as an exciting amalgamation of everything great in rock ‘n’ roll.
Through their calculated blend of past musical decades, The Knee Hi’s possess an artistry that is nostalgic yet timeless. As they combine ’50s doo-wop, ’60s garage rock, ’70s classic rock and ’80s new wave, The Knee Hi’s have created a musicality that is so uniquely their own. Essentially, The Knee Hi’s are the result of rock ‘n’ roll muses becoming the rock stars themselves.
After making their musical debut in 2020 with the release of their inaugural single “Darlin’ darlin’,” The Knee Hi’s quickly made a name for themselves as an electrifying and unforgettable group. Two years later, the band firmly established their place in the modern music scene with the release of their debut album Charmed. Featuring several of their hit singles, including “Action!” and “Make You Mine,” the outfit’s debut album served as an — evidently — charming and definitive body of work from the band.
The Knee Hi’s ended last year with a steady number of singles, including the mental health banger “Social Suicide” and the film noir-inspired “Dark Lovin’.” Now, the band has started off 2025 with their latest single, “Hot Mama,” released February 8. A highly topical track, “Hot Mama” offers commentary on society’s beauty standards that are placed on women, and how women are so often defined by their age and their looks.
Regarding the new single, The Knee Hi’s vocalist and guitarist Alice Strider said on Instagram that, “Women should not be defined by their age, their looks, their skin nor their weight. Women should only be defined by their character, as should any human. I wrote this song in response to how I feel the media and people expect women to look and age and I’m disgusted by it.”
Along with the new single came a music video, directed by Strider herself, which follows the story of an older woman who celebrates her beauty in unapologetic — and extreme — ways. A video fueled by cheeky yet dark humor, the video is the perfect visual to coincide with the feminist single.
Consisting of Strider (vocals, guitar), Devyn Crimson (vocals, bass), Andrew Bockelman (guitars) and John Merikoski (drums), The Knee Hi’s are a revolutionary outfit through their unique aesthetics and diverse discography. Following their recent singles that they’ve released over the last few months, there’s no doubt that the group is currently working on a new project, and avid rock ‘n’ roll fans should be keeping The Knee Hi’s on their musical radars.
Keep up with The Knee Hi’s: Instagram // Facebook // TikTok // Spotify // YouTube // Bandcamp
