Leaves in the Gutter

Chapel Hill, North Carolina’s Superchunk faded away in the new century after spending much of the ‘90s at the top of both indie rock fan and critic lists. Solo projects and family duties gave outsiders the impression the band was done, aside from the occasional live show reunion. But come 2009 the band sounds completely recharged on this EP. “Learned to Surf,” also reprised as an acoustic demo, immediately slams up with the band’s ebullient noise and hooks driving down the centerline. Mac McCaughan’s turn at the vocal mike brings forth “Misfits & Mistakes” (a song that appeared in different form for the *Aqua Teen Hunger Force* soundtrack). The tune twists into a torrent of Keith Moon-like drum rolls from Jon Wurster. “Screw It Up” and “Knock Knock Knock” further showcase the group’s comfortable dynamic that portends great things in their reunited future. 

There isn’t much to celebrate about Superchunk’s eight-year layoff, but here’s one positive: Absence has definitely made the heart grow fonder. By the time of the superb 2001 LP Here’s To Shutting Up, even indie-rock stalwarts were starting to take Superchunk for granted. Now, after nearly a decade of here-and-gone…

After the release of 2003's Cup of Sand compilation, Superchunk kept a pretty low profile for the next few years.