The Criticals Serve Up Infectious Energy at Shaky Knees 2025

Criticals walked out like a baseball team taking the field, Salt Shaker by DJ Nuwav spinning them in as if it were their walk-up song. The Nashville-based band might be young, but they came out swinging, guitars blazing and a grin across every face. Right from the first song, frontman Parker Forbes leaned into the mic and barked, “Shaky your knees—whatchu got?” and the crowd answered with a roar.

Their energy was infectious. The lead guitarist made his instrument scream, tearing through solos with a tone that is best described as rock club riot. The band teased several new songs that hint at a heavier, more dynamic direction. At one point, they slid into a cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer.” Raw and cheeky, a bold choice for a rising band. But it went off without a hitch.

For a group this early in their career, their stage presence already feels dialed in. They moved as if they owned the space, weaving between each other and egging on the crowd. Each build-up led to a punch of sound and a fresh burst of cheers.

Criticals are still at the beginning of their story, but after this set it’s hard not to feel excited for their future. Their high-octane rock at an hour when most festival crowds are still waking up, and turned it into a party. If this is what they can do at Shaky Knees in the early slot, I can’t wait to see what they do on a bigger stage.

Review by: David Saxum; Photo by Pooneh Ghaneh/Shaky Knees

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