Superchunk does it again
Superchunk, the classic indie rock group, hits all the right notes with their new album, Wild Loneliness. Released on February 28th, the album includes exciting guest stars such as Sharon Van Etten, Kelly Prat and R.E.M.’s Mike Mills. Keeping old members intact, Superchunk leads with Mac McCaughan on guitar and vocals, with Jim Wilbur gracing the guitar and backing vocals, Jon Wurster taking on the drums and backing vocals and Laura Ballance on the bass alongside backing vocals. Superchunk’s highly anticipated album is now here, so let’s get into it.
With its instrumentals and vocals, you might as well take a time capsule to the ’90s, but with the lyrics, you might as well stay in the present. “City of the Dead” is hard-hitting and edgy, with lyrics strongly hinting at the environmental decay caused by climate change. The instrumentals are upbeat, but the message is bleak. Slightly reminiscent of the track 1984 from Smashing Pumpkins, as it utilizes a juxtaposing backdrop and teary-eyed lyrics.
In “Endless Summer” we also see this theme play out in the lyrics, “It’s New Year’s day and we’re not burning anything/I miss the cold and I miss looking out for spring/What’s coming, greeting the words/Of all the signs we understood.”
Stepping as far away from cliches as one can, Superchunk’s lyrics are original in their topics and delivery. The group uses their voice to critique the world around them, similar to their 2018 album What a Time to Be Alive.
“Set It Aside” is soft and idyllic. It soothes a tired heart that is weary from a long day of work. McCaughan coos and whispers to your wounds. The guitar and drums mend to create a beautiful harmony that is almost uncanny.
This is clearly an album of a well-balanced diet. Although other songs may produce heavier tones, “The Night” feels more upbeat. An almost classic love song that heavily contrasts with other songs on the album, which comes across as refreshing.
Superchunk does it again, producing classics that are unheard of and original in their sound. For mega-fans of the early days to newcomers of this generation, this album will surely impress.
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