Red Scare Industries – 19 Jun 2026
Giving the fans what they want, but more than they expected, in their first LP in 35 years.
I will never forget when Sludgeworth announced their return to the stage back in early 2023. The band played a ferocious set to a sold to capacity crowd at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago. It was made clear by the band that the performance was a return, and NOT merely a reunion. Additional shows followed, including an appearance at Riot Fest. The following year, Sludgeworth released the highly anticipated Together Not Together two-song single.
Residing in Chicago, I have been extremely fortunate to catch the majority of these performances. Last spring, I ran into drummer Brian “Vermin” McQuaid at a Screeching Weasel show which featured his son’s power duo Feral Tact. Upon asking if he would be attending the next night’s show, he replied with “Nope – my son will have to fend for himself as we begin recording” This was my first confirmation of the reality of Sludgeworth’s first studio album since 1991’s What’s This? LP. These recordings are now presented in the form of Second Time Around.
Let me start off by saying there are several recurring themes lyrically across a multitude of sonic landscapes. Earlier this year, “Hold Steady” was released as the album’s lead off single. This feel-good song is a straight up banger from the first note, and the track efficiently sets the tone for what listeners will hear in Second Time Around. Album opener “Can’t Change Yesterday” is a mid-paced groove heavy track. The standout aspect of this song would be the incredible vocal range which Dan Schafer puts on display. Fans of his countless bands which have followed Sludgeworth’s initial breakup in 1994 are more than familiar with his growth as both a prolific singer and songwriter. This is the first of many tracks which focus on looking forward and taking advantage of living in the present, and this vibe is strongly present on tracks such as “Hurry Up, I Don’t Have Forever,” and a remixed version of “Together Not Together.” The former is a mid-paced alt rocker which urges the listener to take advantage of today. The latter tells the autobiographical tale of how the band operates. For those unaware, with Dan residing in southern Illinois, he works on tracks mostly remote from the band. One of my favorite vocal line of the album, “If it brings smiles then it’s worth the while,” is present on this track.
There is also an extremely contemporary turn lyrically both on “Simulation” and “Tipping Point.” The post punk vibe is strong on “Simulation,” which questions the possibility of living in an alternate reality. Musically, the song traverses the loud-quiet-loud approach used by bands such as the Pixies and Naked Raygun. “Tipping Point” is a more direct and driving straight-up punk rock tune. “Trouble Brewing” is a dark rocker dealing with difference of opinion, especially in current times where the subject has to choose between what is either bad or worse. These three songs truly encompass and showcase what has been known as the “Chicago sound” which is highlighted with buzzsaw guitars and tastefully placed leads.
No Sludgeworth album would be complete with upbeat sing-alongs which will make you bounce up and down across the dancefloor, right? No worries – this album has you covered! “Smile Upon Today” encompasses the classic early Lookout! Records sound. Fans will be taken back to the first time they heard Green Day or Mr. T Experience. “Our Better Angels” is a super power-pop steady paced anthem, progressing to an amazing groove in the transition from verse to chorus. “Old Friend” shows the band members reminiscing about the good times with a fallen friend. This mid-paced track is chock full of emotion both lyrically and musically. Finally, the band’s first ever acoustic track “Rockets To Heaven” is equally haunting and beautiful.
Second Time Around succeeds in Sludgeworth planting itself as a true contemporary band. This is not simply a reunion album to cash in on nostalgia. As previously stated, it is centered around both current events and living in the present, evident in both the lyrics as well as sound. This is simply not the album which most would have expected Sludgeworth to make. I had expected great things from the first Sludgeworth full-length studio album in 35 years, and Second Time Around exceeded that expectation.
Find preorder links for digital download (Bandcamp) or CD and LP (Red Scare store), tour/tickets links, and more at this link page
I am mostly known in cyberspace as a vinyl junkie and punk rock bassist! Fair assessment. I am the bassist of the Chicago area power pop / pop punk band SPACE AGE ZEROS.