“A painful yesterday doesn't have to define today. We’re always allowed to begin again” - Dan Schafer
When Sludgeworth were formed in 1989, a side project from Chicago band Screeching Weasel, their pop punk sensibilities and infectious rhythms seemed to announce a band that had a bright future ahead of them. However, after just one album, 1991’s ‘What’s This?’ they split up. That old foe of all bands – “Musical differences” – being held responsible. Short term reunions for a couple of festivals in 2007/8 led to a live recording before, once again, the band returned to the shadows. 2022 saw them officially regroup, and in April this year, their long awaited (and appropriately titled!) second album ‘Second Time Around’ was slated for release this month.
Vocalist Dan Schafer, Adam White and Dave McLean (Guitars) and drummer Brian McQuaid are back, alongside new bassist Simon Lamb, and the band that once shared stages with the likes of Green Day, The Offspring and Henry Rollins are here once more to inject a little joy into the ears of the discerning.
‘Second Time Around’ is a collection of 12 songs which show that separation and time have not affected the chemistry that made Sludgeworth such a force all those years ago.
Opening track ‘Can’t Change Yesterday’ sets a solid platform; a light and bouncy number, the twin guitars playing around each other offering texture and shape, a vocal that offers subtle feeling and a chorus that seems to answer the question “What if Bob Mould had been in Blink182?” It’s a fine return.
Those twin guitars are used in a different, more effect driven opening in ‘Hold Steady’, before giving way to a slice of pure Pop/Punk goodness. Dan describes the song as a comment on letting difficult emotions go, of not holding on to past baggage just for the sake of it. Fine sentiments underpinning a fine song:
‘Together / Not Together’ was the band’s first release after they reformed, this single coming out in 2024, and it certainly whetted the appetite back then! Here it’s interesting to see how it fits in with the whole. Perfectly, it turns out:
Stripped back guitars open ‘Simulation’, a restrained sound that gives way to a bold, anthemic chorus, expansive in its sound, contrasting with the slightly dystopian subject matter of the song. This is music to force a physical reaction in the listener, to make them move, to engage with the tune.
‘Tipping Point’ follows, a change to a harder edge in the music underpins the song, but contrast comes in the vocal delivery and the lighter lead guitar. It displays both the influences that led them to form back in the ‘90’s and the lighter pop punk that they helped to develop.
There’s a similar feel to ‘Kill Switch’ – this is a band that has melodic DNA running through its veins, a band that just likes nice things, subtle things served with an aggressive edge. It’s a sound that they have perfected.
There’s more of an old school feel to ‘Our Better Angels’, the easy-going Ska-punk bop opening giving way to a slower chorus, leading to a faster break and a final chorus. Its variety being its selling point and its strength, it’s another example of the experiences and influences the five band members have woven into their sound.
‘Hurry Up, I Don’t Have Forever’ initially reminded me of ‘I think I’m Wonderful’ by The Damned, but after the first few bars, it morphed into a Foo Fighters vibe. It has a different feel to the songs that precede it, not a bad thing, as it’s too easy for a band to stick to one template and constantly rewrite the song that made them popular. Another fine example of the strength of the band’s craft.
There’s a lyrical sentimentality to ‘Old Friend’, and a fine vocal delivery that supports it. This is a song which manages to sound both fast and slow at the same time. A simple, effective riff gives way to a contrast where the music is fast and the vocal slow and measured, which works really well.
‘Smile Upon Today’ has a rawer feel to it, a harder edge, not an extreme one, but you can hear and feel it. At the same time, Dan Schafer’s vocals temper that edge. He is a vocalist of considerable skill, managing to inject feeling and contrast into songs which elevates the end result. That is amplified by his bandmates, who have the ability and technique to showcase this. A collective that combines to become a formidable whole.
There is a change of energy on ‘Rockets To Heaven’, a slow and poignant tune with a graceful and elegant structure. It’s a contrast to the rest of the album, but is not out of place, as it once again shows the abilities of all involved in the way the band grow a song, adding layers and context.
More contrast to close out the album, ‘Trouble Brewing’ returns to the band’s harder edge, again with the melodic sensibilities that seem a core aspect of this album. A fitting and satisfying closer.
This is an album a long time in the making. An album that has absorbed a lot of aspects from the changing musical environment, yet it is also an album that pushes things. ‘Second Time Around’ is a fine body of work, one that draws you in, draws upon the influences that have driven its members from the moment they first started playing, and those that they have inspired.
To quote Dan Schafer “A painful yesterday doesn’t have to define today. We’re always allowed to begin again”. ‘Second Time Around’ is a new beginning with a long past, and a bright future.
Out June 19 via Red Scare, pre-save / pre-order ‘Second Time Around‘ HERE
This summer, Sludgeworth hits the road with Teenage Bottlerocket, with hometown record release shows in Chicago.
Dates with Teenage Bottlerocket
6/25 – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
6/26 – Detroit, MI @ The Sanctuary
6/27 – Logansport, IN @ Bonus Pints
Record Release Shows
8/29 – Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge w/ The Copyrights, Feral Tact
8/30 – Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge w/ The Brokedowns, Josh Caterer (of Smoking Popes)
Info & tickets HERE
Main Photo Credit: TOM BIRCH
- Can’t Change Yesterday
- Hold Steady
- Together / Not Together
- Simulation
- Tipping Point
- Kill Switch
- Our Better Angels
- Hurry Up, I Don’t Have Forever
- Old Friend
- Smile Upon Today
- Rockets To Heaven
- Trouble Brewing
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Heavily influenced by an older brother, I discovered a love of music at an early age, initially with Punk but eventually with pretty much everything. I play guitar and bass to a very low standard and regularly ‘entertain’ my family and dogs with unwanted noise. I am usually found at the back of both gigs and football matches!
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