I remember when the release of a new Superchunk album was a big event- well, at least for me. Over 30 years since their debut, the Chapel Hill, North Carolina indie icons (who apparently have not received the memo the album is a dead art form) dropped Wild Loneliness on the world last Friday. While their last album- the pre-pandemic What a Time to Be Alive- was an angry, anti-Trump affair, Wild Loneliness- which opens with “City of the Dead”- finds Superchunk in a calmer, more introspective mood. But do not mistake calm introspection for sadness and slowness; the album is pretty life affirming and clocks in at just under 40 minutes which makes it conducive to repeated listens, especially for folks “drinking through the news” and finding the state of the world- as well as many of our fellow citizens- “highly suspect”.
Not really ever known as a political or message band (on their early records, it was even unclear what the lyrics were), the songs and themes on Wild Loneliness sound unified and this reminds me of my two favorite Superchunk albums of all time: Here’s Where the Strings Come In (1995) and Come Pick Me Up (1999). Not a nostalgic trip down memory lane, the music on Wild Loneliness sounds fresh, honest, and immediate with the classic Mac Muppet-like vocals and some fine drumming by Jon as well as strings, piano, horns, and catchy melodies. My only complaints are the hardcore song (probably made to satisfy Laura) and the lack of any memorable Jim signature guitar solo attacks. The closer chant may be the crown jewel of what will probably become known as Superchunk’s “COVID-19” album. Grade: A-
Listen to the album on Spotify...
... or check out the album on YouTube
(To open music in separate window, click title bar at top of video box)
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