Superchunk - 12/10 - Magic Stick

Superchunk - indie rock heroes. Ultimate underdogs. Consummate constructors of the buzzy heartfelt pop song so endemic to the American Underground.

The storied quartet, led by alt-rock auteur Mac McCaughan, haven't had a record out for 10 years...

...that is until September, when they put out the exuberant, yet mature Majesty Shredding, a roller coaster release for leveler heads. "We're back where we belong," sings McCaughan in his characteristic chalky, higher register, "What's the rush / you can't hold anything too long..." It feels fitting that a band held so dear in the hearts of musicphiles (many that grew up on this band and its unsung guitar-heavy contemporaries) should make, in these surreal days of 40-something Gen-Xers, a record that delineates the worth and the waste of nostalgia - how much of it slows us down and how much of it breeds valuable lessons.

But that makes it sound too heady - Majesty Shredding is just that... majestic - and full of the band's characteristic buzzsaw guitars just shredding up the place. It's celebratory, freewheeling; intricately wrought, sun-soaked guitars slide from melodious to fuzzed-out growls, and the drums never slow down...

Essentially, if you stop swimming - then learn to surf!

12 / 10 - Magic Stick - with Times New Viking

Take a listen:

Superchunk - Digging For Something

Take a viewing:

Superchunk - Digging For Something from Merge Records on Vimeo.

More info - from Mac's label - MERGE