It almost felt like a sabotage when Shudder To Think crawled back out of the woodwork, like some sort of zombie sleeper cell of musical genius just waiting for the moment to pounce.
After a couple of months post-return announcement that somehow felt even longer than the nearly 30-year new release hiatus, the D.C natives slammed back into their niche, a blend of post-hardcore, baroque-pop, and punk, with two new singles. Both songs boast the same impressive falsettos and infectious guitar riffs that take you right back home to their 1991 EP, Funeral At The Movies.
A sweet-sounding guitar welcomes us into the slamming introduction for "Thirst Walk," a melodically interesting tribute to desire. Lead vocalist Craig Wedren proves by example that time has only done wonders for his vocal ability, and harmonies fall into place like a blanket of snow around him. It's a fantastic mix of catchiness and unattainability that is sure to draw in a new crowd of listeners, along with the same ones who have been waiting since the '90s.
"Playback" is faster and grungier, with perfectly convoluted lyrics that serve as a callback to their post-hardcore roots. Along with a broken-down bridge midway through served with a side of "get your shit-stained clothes off my rack," they fit the most desirable elements from all of their influence into this three-minute song like it was no challenge at all.
Currently in the middle of a West Coast tour, Shudder To Think shows no signs that they're leaving us again anytime soon. Put your headphones on and decide for yourself that these guys still have it—you can thank me later.
