Kneecap (2024) is a comedy-drama film written and directed by Rich Peppiatt. The movie tells the story of the rise of Kneecap, a hip-hop trio from Belfast. It mixes humor with a realistic look at the struggles of working-class life.
The film features the band members playing themselves and includes a unique soundtrack. The music blends original tracks by Kneecap with electronic beats and classic songs. It brings energy and emotion to the story, helping to show the challenges and triumphs of the characters.
Kneecap had its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. It was the first Irish-language film to be shown at the festival and won the NEXT Audience Award. The film’s soundtrack stands out, featuring powerful songs by Kneecap, along with tracks from Orbital, Bicep, The Prodigy, and others.
2024 Kneecap Soundtrack List
The Kneecap soundtrack is a mixture of the band’s original music and some iconic electronic and pop tracks that play a significant role in the film. The soundtrack’s emotional and energetic beats mirror the ups and downs of the characters’ journeys.
Pop Songs and Their Impact
- Belfast – Orbital
This atmospheric track, performed by Orbital, sets the tone for the film, providing a backdrop of tension and complexity that matches the raw energy of the city. - Glue – Bicep
Bicep’s electronic masterpiece brings an intensity that highlights the darker, more dramatic moments in the film, contributing to its edgy atmosphere. - Smack My Bitch Up – The Prodigy
This iconic track by The Prodigy energizes some of the movie’s more intense scenes, adding a bold and chaotic element that matches Kneecap’s rebellious spirit. - Fall In Love Again – Alanna Royale
This soulful track adds a touch of heart to the film, balancing out the intensity of other tracks with its melodic warmth.
Kneecap Original Tracks
Alongside these powerful tracks, the Kneecap soundtrack showcases the band’s original music, which is central to the film’s storyline. The songs reflect their experiences, the struggles of growing up in Belfast, and their journey through music and life.
- C.E.A.R.T.A. – Kneecap
This high-energy track sets the tone for the band’s bold approach to life, blending hip-hop with a defiant message. - H.O.O.D. – Kneecap
A raw anthem representing the band’s experiences and the challenges of their neighborhood. - Amach Anocht – Kneecap
This powerful song touches on the themes of escaping reality and seeking something bigger than one’s current situation. - Sick In the Head – Kneecap
A track filled with intense emotion, capturing the turmoil of being misunderstood and seeking a way out. - Better Way To Live (ft. Grian Chatten) – Kneecap
Featuring Grian Chatten, this collaboration brings a reflective yet hopeful tone to the film. - Guilty Conscience – Kneecap
A track that deals with inner conflict, adding depth to the film’s themes of personal growth and accountability. - Thart Agus Thart – Kneecap
This song offers a reflective moment, discussing the complexities of moving forward while carrying the past with you. - Parful – Kneecap
A bold and catchy track that underscores the group’s unapologetic approach to their lives and music.
Additional Original Music
- ITS BEEN AGES – Kneecap
A nostalgic track that evokes memories of the past and the band’s journey. - Run – Mikey J
This instrumental track helps build the atmosphere of a tense moment in the film. - Nothing But a H.O.O.D – Marty Maguire & Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh
A brief but impactful piece that complements the film’s narrative style. - Civil Rights – Mikey J
This instrumental piece underscores the film’s political and social undertones. - A Wee Operation – Michael Fassbender, Cillian Kernan & Aidan McCaughey
A short but memorable moment in the soundtrack, adding a touch of humor to the film.
Complete Tracklist for Kneecap (2024)
Here is the full list of tracks featured in the Kneecap soundtrack, combining both the original music from the band and contributions from various artists:
- Belfast – Orbital
- C.E.A.R.T.A. – Kneecap
- H.O.O.D. – Kneecap
- Amach Anocht – Kneecap
- Sick in the Head – Kneecap
- Better Way To Live (feat. Grian Chatten) – Kneecap
- Guilty Conscience – Kneecap
- Thart Agus Thart – Kneecap
- Parful – Kneecap
- Glue – Bicep
- Smack My Bitch Up – The Prodigy
- Fall In Love Again – Alanna Royale
- ITS BEEN AGES – Kneecap
- Run – Mikey J
- Nothing But a H.O.O.D – Marty Maguire & Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh
- Civil Rights – Mikey J
- A Wee Operation – Michael Fassbender, Cillian Kernan & Aidan McCaughey
- Dad’s Gone – Mikey
- You Bring a Stolen Car Here – Michael Fassbender & Naoise O Caireallain
- Ceasefire Babies – Mikey J
- Love Affair with the Shniff – Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh
- Arrested – Mikey J
- 80% – Dirty Faces
- 3CAG (feat. Radie Peat) – Kneecap
- The A Minor Set – The Bonny Men
- No Need to Panic – Naoise O Caireallain & Gerry Adams
- What the Fuck Was That?! – Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh & Jessica Reynolds
- There Are 80,000 Native Irish Speakers – Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh
- Liberty Belle – Fontaines D.C.
- Special Delivery – Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, Adam Best & Cathal Mercer
- Phone Booth – Mikey J, Gemma Doherty & Simone Kirby
- Ash Plant – Absolute Lilt
- Kneecapped – Mikey J
- Is a Bullet – Mikey J, Gemma Doherty & Simone Kirby
- The Irish for the End Is… – Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh
The Influence of Music in Kneecap‘s Storytelling
Music plays a crucial role in Kneecap, bringing energy and emotion to the film’s narrative. The original songs by Kneecap connect deeply with the film’s themes of resistance, identity, and the working-class experience in Belfast. The additional tracks from Orbital, Bicep, and The Prodigy add another layer, giving the film a modern, rebellious edge.
The combination of these tracks helps to tell the story of Kneecap, not just through dialogue and action, but through a soundtrack that amplifies every emotion, from anger to joy. The energetic beats of the band’s music bring authenticity to their journey, making Kneecap one of the most memorable and dynamic films of 2024.