We all love a comeback story. And bands in the Northern Midwestwern states seem to have a knack for returning to the stage after long hiatuses. Guided by Voices has broken up and reformed over and over again in this century. The Pixies have reunited and enjoyed enduring success. And now, 20 years since they originally disbanded, the world will hear the urgent, gritty sounds of Muskellunge.
The band formed when Reba Fritz, John Crozier, and Ben Boyd met through their work at a local Kinko’s Copies. While their original tenure only lasted four years, they managed to play with Belly, Yo La Tengo, and Echo and the Bunnymen. On the eve of big successes and a record deal, they mysteriously vanished. And now, joined by drummer Eric Tretbar, the Muskellunge crew have tapped into something powerful on their new single “Still Learning,” which we are excited to premiere on Glide today.
Right from the start, “Still Learning” sounds like rock and roll made in those northern Midwestern manufacturing towns. From the angular guitar riff to the stellar drumbeat, the song oozes melody. Boyd also plays a bassline that adds an entirely new dimension to the song, fitting between the snare hits and guitar riffs with precision. Amidst all of the puzzle pieces, Fritz’ vocals and melody provide the glue. As the song builds into its chorus, there’s a crescendo of distorted guitars, crashing cymbals, and Fritz’ double-tracked vocals that rivals any catchy musical moments in the indie rock canon.
With “Still Learning,” Muskellunge have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with. After 20 years, they’ve lost none of the rock-and-roll potency that brought them together in the first place. If you’re looking for a taste of something riffy and intricate, look no further than this new single from Muskellunge.
The group describes the inspiration and process behind the song:
“Still Learning” was recorded by Bryan Hanna at The Terrarium, Minneapolis, MN. We got a cheap rate if we used the studio late at night, so we loaded in at 7 pm and worked through until morning, sucking down pop and candy to stay awake. Bryan Hanna was the sound engineer there, and he became our drummer halfway through the sessions. John actually wrote the catchy drum part and taught it to Bryan. John and I are the songwriters, both of us bring in the chords and structures of songs; I put the lyrics and melody on them. In this song, the lyrics express the struggle of not being able to be honest about who you are and what you want and need in a romantic relationship and in a band. I was frustrated because it seemed so simple, but I just couldn’t seem to break out of the old gender roles. Trying to find a way out of the role playing, but failing, is evident in the lyrics. For example, “to be kind, to be sweet, I need these lines before I leave”; “can you still see my soul?”; and “unspoken jewels I carry with me” (referring to my truth). “A second too late” means I always figured out only later what I should have said or done.
Watch the music video below and scroll down to read an exclusive interview with the artist…
It’s sort of a strange time to “get the band back together.” Show opportunities are limited and a little risky. What felt right about coming back to music now?
R: It really just happened organically. We worked on a song together for a Korda release in 2019, before that we hadn’t talked in maybe 20 years. Later, during COVID/2020, I was looking to feel sparks inside again, and I knew I needed to sing and play music loud, somehow. Not in my living room, you know? I asked John if I could sing and play at his practice space. He started popping in and playing drums, with me singing cover songs that had had an effect on me–The Motels, Psychedelic Furs. John’s a pretty good drummer by the way. Anyways, it felt good, being in a room and having that old easy musical communication. We started talking about the recordings, musing about where the originals were–over the years people have asked about them. Neither of us had kept track of them. We asked, “Could we still put them out?” So we did. Dug them out, compiled them. Remastering them, hearing them again, stirred up a deep affection and appreciation for not just the music that hadn’t been released, but for that era of Mpls music that nurtured it. We aren’t really concerned with playing out a lot right now, though oddly enough, we haven’t had trouble finding shows. We just want to do the right ones, if we do.
Would “Still Learning” have fit right into a set in the 90s? How do you feel this song compares to your earlier work?
R: This one was unique in that John wrote the lead guitar, drum, and bass part. It was much different than his earlier songs that he brought in because it was more repetitive and hooky. Usually his songs are very complicated. (laughs) Mine are usually the simpler poppy ones.
This feels like the type of song that had to be written collaboratively. How did the song come together?
R: We have two ways of writing songs: John brings in a song with music (often bass and drum ideas) and I add the melody and lyrics, or I bring in basic guitar, melody and lyrics, then John adds guitar, structure input, and Eric and Ben write their parts as we mess around with it in the practice space. For this one, John brought in the guitar, bass, and the catchy drum beat. I wrote the melody and lyrics. In this song, the lyrics express the struggle of not being able to be honest about who you are and what you want and need in a romantic relationship and in a band. I was frustrated because it seemed so simple, but I just couldn’t seem to break out of the old gender roles. Trying to find a way out of the role playing, but failing, is evident in the lyrics. For example, “to be kind, to be sweet, I need these lines before I leave”; “can you still see my soul?”; and “unspoken jewels I carry with me” (referring to my truth). “A second too late” means I always figured out only later what I should have said or done. This song is one of the last ones we wrote before breaking up–some of the lyrics show what I was struggling with there.
Bryan originally served as an engineer, but during the session decided to join in on drums. Has Bryan’s input and style changed the sound of the band at all?
R: I don’t think it has changed the sound, no. We have always had clear ideas of what we wanted it to sound like. Bryan fit well with what we were going for, he got it.
What’s next for you? Where can we find you in the coming months?
Oh, gosh. The train has started rolling. We have two singles with videos, and then the big event, the record release show in November at Hook and Ladder, in Minneapolis. I set it up with a band that we shared a practice space with and played shows with regularly when we first started out, they’re called The Hang Ups. So, the show will be three big events: a band reunion, a record release, and a reunion of sharing a bill with old friends. We made a limited run of cassettes to support the show. Then another single and video after the album release, and a few pop-up secret shows to support the record. We’re also recording more material, some old and some new.
For me, I am just really thrilled to feel joy in singing again, and to have song melodies and lyrics bubbling up as I’m driving or walking the dogs. That spark of creativity percolating in my life is something I hope to never lose again.
Photo credit: Billy Briggs
