In Review: Superchunk - "Wild Loneliness"

 

Superchunk's first act firmly established them as a band destined to fly under the radar; too abrasive to be mainstream but too prone to big power pop hooks to be accepted in the underground, their songs existed on the fringes of the alternative revolution of the '90s. By the time they'd gone through their formative period, signed with Matador, formed their own record label (the now highly lauded, longstanding indie imprint Merge) and gotten eight albums under their belts, the '90s had come and gone; with the terrible events of September 11, 2001 a fresh wound and diminishing excitement for the band, it was decided that a bit of a break was in order. Over the remainder of the decade, aside from the odd live appearance or compilation release, Superchunk went eerily quiet.

Then, nine years after the release of their previous record, Superchunk began their second act with the more mature and surprisingly spry Majesty Shredding, kicking off the '10s with a most welcome return. While their output couldn't match their torrid '90s pace, two more stellar albums would follow (the darker, moodier I Hate Music in 2013 and the incredible, incendiary What a Time To Be Alive in 2018). As they entered their fourth decade as a band, Superchunk had achieved legendary status in indie rock circles, the elder statesmen of a scene that never quite knew where to put them but could no longer deny the long reaching influence they've had on music.

Now, 32 years after their scrappy debut, Wild Loneliness represents the equal and opposite reaction to their previous effort; whereas What a Time To Be Alive brimmed with frustration and volume, Wild Loneliness moves at a much more relaxed pace. Orchestral flourishes and guest appearances punctuate the music throughout, which is just as keen on hooks and power pop riffage as ever, although much of the guitar work is acoustic this time; it's also a much more hopeful record, even as it reckons with some pretty heavy subject matter.

Whether it's the pandemic-induced empty streets of laid back opener City of the Dead, the balmy New Years Day depicted in global warming lament Endless Summer or the bittersweet nostalgia of This Night, the songs on Wild Loneliness are colourful, thoughtful and, above all else, imbued with Superchunk's undisputed gift of melody. Of course, if you have even a passing familiarity with Superchunk, you already know the kind of endorphin rush you're in for, but there are still surprises; for example, when the clouds part on the title track to reveal a majestic sax solo, it's the kind of double-take moment that makes you wonder where these simple and effective sonic tricks were all this time.

Those who feel What a Time To Be Alive was a stunning return to form for the group may perceive Wild Loneliness as somewhat of an overcorrection, but there remains a sustained, unshakable energy in Superchunk's playing that prevent the album from becoming too sullen despite its more chilled out sonic approach; admittedly, the highs aren't as high here, but this is surely closer to a lateral move than a decline. Whether this gentler, more optimistic version of the band becomes a temporary reprieve or a new branch in their evolution, their melodic and songcrafting qualities remain completely, gloriously intact.

February 25, 2022 • Merge

Highlights Endless Summer • On the Floor • This Night