Superchunk: "Leaves In the Gutter" EP review

It's been a long time since we've had new music from Merge Records founders Superchunk.  In fact, the last time we got a proper release of new music from them was 2001's Here's To Shutting Up.

Well all of that came to an end this week with the release of their new EP Leaves In The Gutter.  It's a welcome return.

I've always found something lacking with the Superchunk side projects.  Portastatic has some solid stuff, but there's a spark that you only get when the main band comes together.  The energy level goes through the roof when the quartet are assembled.

That's definitely the case on the new EP.  We get exactly what we want and expect from Mac McCaughan and the band: high voltage guitar-driven power pop.

From the opening chords of "Learned To Surf" that's exactly what we get.  The record holds it's intensity throughout, climaxing with the full throttle "Knock Knock Knock" (featuring a killer riff).

The lone misstep on the EP is the inclusion of "Learned To Surf (acoustic demo)".  It really is an unnecessary addition that serves only to end the proceeding on an anticlimactic note.

Now that our collective whistles have been wet, let's keep our fingers crossed for a new full length.

Best tracks: "Knock Knock Knock", "Misfits & Mistakes"

Track listing for Leaves In The Gutter:

• Learned To Surf
• Misfits & Mistakes
• Screw It Up 
• Knock Knock Knock
• Learned To Surf (acoustic demo)

7.5/10

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