Nashville-based pop artist Knox has just released his highly anticipated new single “Treadmill” along with an official music video. Knox has been teasing the song’s release for several weeks on his Instagram, building the anticipation for what’s just become the song of the summer. An upbeat pop anthem detailing what it’s like to pursue a crush, Knox has created a song that will land both on your summer and workout playlists.
“Treadmill” starts off with bright and punchy guitars, bringing the energy right away. Once his vocals come in, the instrumentation becomes more subtle so we can focus on the lyrics, which confront how he’s exhausted from chasing this person, but not necessarily in a bad way. The pre-chorus picks up the energy a bit with some background harmonies added to his vocals as he begs this person to “slow down”.
The chorus explodes in with an upbeat drum crash and energetic guitars. Knox’s vocal delivery also becomes more dynamic as he sings that he’s “getting nowhere in style / chasin’ you on a treadmill”. The melody changes a bit and will make you want to spin in circles as he sings that he’s “caught in a loop”.
After the next chorus, we move into an instrumental break as the words “trying to make you mine” are echoed over punchy guitars reminiscent of the style used on The 1975’s first two albums. The instrumentals suddenly go quiet for the bridge, where only a simple drum beat and a subtle guitar remain. Knox repeats the lyrics of the pre-chorus with a more focused tone as if he’s sitting and talking directly to this person. The energy picks up a bit as some rhythmic clapping is added (this will be a treat live!).
The start of the final chorus is sung over a simple acoustic guitar in earnest. It builds as drums are added, and finally we kick back up to full energy for the rest of the song. At this point, we won’t blame you for dancing around your room by yourself with this “Treadmill” blasting from your speakers. A fun and dynamic guitar outro carries us to the decisive end, as if Knox has suddenly run out of steam to keep going.
The music video fittingly features Knox wearing different workout outfits running on a pink treadmill. At different stages of the song, he appears to become exhausted and somewhat frustrated, but in the most fun and upbeat way possible. This video is the perfect visual representation of the song, matching its lively and optimistic energy.
Although lyrically “Treadmill” expresses a frustration in the chase of a romantic pursuit, Knox’s dynamic vocal delivery and the bright instrumentation make this song a positive and energetic pop anthem you’ll want to dance to all summer long. He’s created yet another hit.
Catch Knox on tour this summer with The Band CAMINO and on his Varsity Tour starting at the end of August.
KEEP UP WITH KNOX: Instagram // Website // TikTok // Twitter // Facebook
