‘Second Time Around‘ by Chicago’s punk veterans Sludgeworth is the ultimate musical proof that some things are worth waiting more than thirty years for. It sure as hell wasn’t my prostate exam. Emerging from the legendary 1980s underground Chicago music scene, this gloriously energetic outfit took a casual three-decade nap before realizing they had way too many great riffs and laughs left in the tank to stay retired. Featuring a powerhouse lineup of musicians who have put in hard time in beloved punk staples, the band famously features frontman Dan Schafer (better known to punk rock scholars as Dan Vapid) and drummer Brian Vermin, who originally started the group as a side project while playing in Screeching Weasel before Schafer later went on to form The Methadones, Noise By Numbers, Dan Vapid & The Cheats, and a few more I’m sure but I can’t remember since I’m drinking while I’m writing this.
The record is absolutely bursting with high-octane tunes, but here are a few songs that have stuck with me after my first few listens to the album. “Hold Steady” serves up a big ole’ plate of driving rhythm and infectious energy that will have you bouncing around your living room like a cocaine orangutan. Then there is “Together Not Together“, a beautifully crafted anthem that perfectly balances raw punk grit with the kind of undeniable hooks that stay stuck in your head for days. Finally, Rockets To Heaven features a soaring, charismatic intensity that shows these guys haven’t lost a single step since I first heard their stuff from that comp ‘Losers Of the Year’ from Lookout Records back in the day.
‘Second Time Around‘ is one hell of a return for the Sludge guys, and their enduring power of lifelong friendship and excellent noise is on full display. Sludgeworth has delivered an album that balances playful humor, vintage grit, and pure hook-filled joy. It’s fucking great music and a kick-ass release for your summer fun in the sun. Check this release out today and give it a spin… you won’t be disappointed. Now bring on a new Methadones record already.
Links of interest:
https://www.instagram.com/sludgeworthband
https://sludgeworth.bandcamp.com/album/second-time-around
https://redscare.net/release-info/?album=Second-Time-Around