Indie rock legends Superchunk have just released their 13th studio album. These Chapel Hill, N.C. giants have been consistent since 1989, except for a hiatus lasting most of the 2000s. Although they may have wavered a bit in their style over the years, the brand new “Songs In The Key of Yikes” proves that they have a sound that is unique to them.
Aug. 22 was a very exciting day for Superchunk fans. Although the tracklist is minimal, with only 10 songs, you can bet that each song packs a mega punch. Not only is this Superchunk’s first studio release since 2022, it is also their first album since saying goodbye to longtime drummer Jon Wurster, who left to focus on other projects.
Wurster’s intense grooves and fills will be deeply missed, but new drummer Laura King, who has played in bands such as Bat Fangs, R. Ring and Speed Stick, can definitely hold her own. Plus, there are now two Lauras in the band, with King on drums joining founding member Laura Ballance on bass.
In contrast to 2022’s “Wild Loneliness,” the songs on “Yikes” boast more depressing titles, such as “No Hope,” “Care Less” and “Everybody Dies.” “Wild Loneliness” was made during the COVID-19 pandemic, and carried themes of nostalgia, hope and connection, while also addressing other social issues such as climate change. It served as a breath of fresh air, not just for fans craving some comforting music from their favorite band, but for the band itself.
“Wild Loneliness” has a much lighter quality to it than Superchunk’s other releases. But all of their energy is brought back in “Songs In The Key of Yikes.” The band brings back their political-esque nature, introduced in 2018’s “What A Time To Be Alive.” With the introduction of Trump’s second term, Superchunk returns as heroes, here to provide some cynical yet energetic music.
The album starts off strong with “Is It Making You Feel Something,” which was released on June 2 as a prelude to the then-upcoming album. Lead singer and guitarist Mac McCaughan brings everyone back to the musical vertex: Is the music you’re listening to actually resonating? It’s a question as simple as that, but one that makes you really reflect.
Next on the tracklist is “Bruised Lung,” featuring Rosali, which was originally released as part of a compilation album from 2023 titled “Misfits & Mistakes: Singles, B-sides & Strays 2007-2023.” This is one of the first tracks featuring King, but you can hardly tell the difference. She blends in perfectly with the band, while also adding her own dynamic flair.
Other tracks include “Stuck in a Dream,” which harkens back to Superchunk’s early days, with an almost bulletproof-sounding melody. Songs like “Cue” and “Train on Fire” also deliver a sense of comfort, knowing that although there have been some changes, Superchunk is still the same as they have always been.
Overall, the response to “Songs In The Key of Yikes” has been overwhelmingly positive. From the stinging guitar line on“Train on Fire” to my new favorite on the album, “Cue,” Superchunk has done it again. Although the writers at Pitchfork have given “Yikes” a 7.4 on their 10-point scale, real fans know that this is a warm welcome back to the Superchunk that they’ve always known.
