There were predictions when Donald Trump was elected at the end of 2016 that punk-rock would return and, indeed, the time has come, but it’s come from the likely guise of old favourites. Superchunk, the North Carolina veterans, have returned with What a Time to Be Alive with some vengeance. Throughout the 30 minute record they wish for the death of acrimonious old men and, in turn, look affectionately and devotedly to the next generation. It’s the sort of angry record that should be coming from the youth, but Superchunk, at the age of 29, have shown the kids how it’s done.

Having released multiple singles for lots of different causes (‘Break the Glass’ was released to benefit the Southern Poverty Law Centre, while ‘I Got Cut’ was supporting Planned Parenthood), they’ve now compiled them all together for a more damning proclamation. Mac McCaughan declared, “It would be strange to be in a band, at least our band, and make a record that completely ignored the surrounding circumstances that we live in and that our kids are going to grow up in.” Of course, it’s always been the Superchunk way and it’s incredibly refreshing to see popular musicians continue to fight the corner of the people.

However, What a Time to Be Alive is a strange concept. The music at times seems outdated, and stuck in that incredibly 90s model of rebellious America, but it’s straddled with this sense of historic political fight that is happening right now. Eponymous single ‘What a Time to Be Alive’ roars: “The scum, the shame, the fucking lies/Oh what a time to be alive,” which could well be Superchunk’s most ferocious statement yet but, musically, it will only appeal to people who liked it all those years ago.

Likewise, ‘Break the Glass’ is a demanding punk song, littered with hope, which also features vocals from Sabrina Ellis of A Giant Dog. In fact, throughout this feels like a true collaborative effort to bring down the establishment. ‘Erasure’, featuring excellent harmonies from Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield screeches: “Hate so graceless and so cavalier / We don’t just disappear”. ‘Erasure’ is an ode about fighting back, and using history to help you do just that. Similarly, ‘I Got Cut’ is an ear splitting pop-punk number brimming with heavy power chords and an energetic vocal.

It’s strange in an album with such intense themes, that it will probably be the music that will split people down the middle. Punk, and definitely pop-punk, hasn’t aged well and at times this is a record that feels incredibly archaic. ‘Reagan Youth’, in particular, highlights two things. One, just how crushingly disappointing it is that Superchunk can still make the same sort of record and it still be relevant and secondly, just how cliche American pop-punk can become with its dreary vocals and whining guitars.

Yet, Superchunk have still managed to contain that wonderful sense of chemistry that made them famous. From guitarist Jim Wilbur’s remarkably opaque melodies and blustering solos to the buoyant and rebellious rhythm section, when everything clicks into place it feels exciting. What a Time to Be Alive is an obnoxious, remorseless attack on the American politics of the last couple of years, but it also has that trademark sense of fun that is typically Superchunk.

Liam McMillen

Website: superchunk.com
Twitter: twitter.com/superchunk